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Shirley Ririe photograph collection

 Collection
Identifier: P1479

Scope and Contents

The Shirley Ririe photograph collection consists of 2 boxes containing 129 color, black and white, and digital only photographs. Box 1 contains photographs of Shirley Ririe's family, friends, life, and career in dance. Box 2 is oversized and contains a group portrait of dancers. The collection dates from 1955-2002, with most photographs dating from 1985-1995.

Dates

  • 1955-2002

Creator

Language of Materials

Collection materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Shirley Ririe photograph collection must be obtained from the Special Collections Manuscript Curator.

Biographical Note

Shirley Russon Ririe was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 20, 1929. She attended the University of Utah, then furthered her studies in dance in New York. She married O. Rhees Ririe in 1951; together, they had four daughters. Soon after her marriage, Shirley Ririe and soon after accepted a position to teach at Brigham Young University. Shirley later accepted a position at the University of Utah and met Joan Woodbury, who also taught dance at the University. They started a small company, called Choreodancers. In 1964, this became the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, a group founded to promote, develope, and educate contemporary and modern dance. The company choreographed and performed in Utah, Arizona, California, Colorado, and internationally. In addition to performance, the company offered dance education. Ririe choreographed over 100 works for the Ririe-Woodbury Company in addition to choreographing musicals at the University of Utah's Pioneer Memorial Theater.

In addition to running the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, Ririe taught at the University of Utah for 42 years. Ririe specializes in dance education for children: since 1974, she served on the National Advisory Committee for Young Audiences; she served as the United States delegate to Dance and the Child International; worked as consultant for two PBS shows; and in 1994 served on a committee todevelop National Standards for Arts Education K-12. Ririe has received many awards for her work in dance and dance education, including: an Honorary Doctorate and Distinguished Woman of hte Year Award from the University of Utah; the Governor's Award and Honors in the Arts Award from the Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce; a Plaudit from the National Dance Association; and a Lifetime Achievement from teh Utah Dance Eeducation Association.

Extent

129 Items (2 boxes)

Abstract

Shirley Ririe is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher who in 1964 co-founded the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, which is based in Salt Lake City. This collection contains photographs of Ririe's personal life, family, and friends and of her career in dance.

Arrangement

Arranged by subject

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Shirley Ririe in 2007.

Separated Materials

See also the Shirley Ririe papers (ACCN 2320) in the Manuscripts Division of Special Collections.

Processing Information

Processed by Special Collections staff.
Title
Guide to the Shirley Ririe photograph collection, 1955-2002
Author
Finding aid created by Claire A. Kempa
Date
2022
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid encoded in English in Latin script.

Repository Details

Part of the J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections Repository

Contact:
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City Utah 84112 United States
801-581-8863