Rita Dow Ballet Bequest
- Reference:GB 2607 RD000-682
- Dates of Creation:1920s-1990s
- Name of Creator:
- Language of Material:English
- Physical Description:3 boxes
Scope and Content
The Rita Dow archive collection includes:
- personal papers / letters
- dancing qualification certificates
- choreography
- publicity photographs
- contracts of employment
- press clippings
- other personal ephemera
Administrative / Biographical History
Born in Edinburgh, Rita Dow studied classical ballet first at McLennan's Academy of Dancing in Edinburgh (1928) and later at the Royal Academy of Dance in London (1932-4 & 1938). She received accreditation from both the Society of Operatic Dancing of Great Britain (1934) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (1939). Her career saw her involvement in a number of productions for the Howard & Wyndham Ltd. company (1941 - 1947), perhaps most significantly the "Half-Past Eight Show" starring alongside Harry Gordon. Latterly she became Ballet Mistress and Head Girl for the same company.
Access Information
Open. Appointment necessary. Email: archives@rcs.ac.uk
Custodial History
Donated in 1999 by a relative from the Lord Penrose estate
Subjects
Personal Names