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Beth Obermeyer papers

 Collection
Identifier: PA150

Scope and Content Note

Includes correspondence, press clippings, articles, photographs, notes, and production materials created or collected by author and dancer Beth Obermeyer.

Dates

  • Creation: 1973-2017

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Restrictions on Access

The collection is open and available for use in the Andersen Library Reading Room.

Restrictions on Use

Copyright is retained by the copyright holders.

Biographical Note

Beth Obermeyer ins a dancer, a musician, a journalist, and author in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Born in Mason City, Iowa, Obermeyer received a degree in journalism from Iowa State University. Studying dance from an early age, Obermeyer continued to dance and perform in Iowa as well as in Minnesota. She was dancer and soloist with Minnesota Dance Theatre from 1973-1983 during which time she notably soloed with Garrison Keillor on “Prairie Home Companion; with the Minnesota Orchestra in “The Tap Concerto,” by Morton Gould composer. She also appeared with Gregory Hines to promote his film, “Tap,” and with Christopher Plummer in Minnesota Orchestra’s British Series. Along with dance, Obermeyer led her own comany, TA DA! Special Events from 1978-1990. Obermeyer and TA DA! helped coordinate several record-breaking events in the 1980s, including the World's Largest Tap Dance, World's Largest Marching Band, and World's Longest Tap Dance. These events are three of a total of six listed Guinness “Book of World Records" of which Obermeyer was involved. Obermeyer has also authored several books about the World's Largest Tap Dance and her childhood growing up in Mason City, Iowa; her book “The Days of Song and Lilacs,” won a Minnesota Book Award in 2012.

Extent

2.5 Linear Feet (2 record cartons, 1 shoe box)

Abstract

Includes correspondence, press clippings, articles, photographs, notes, and production materials created or collected by author and dancer Beth Obermeyer.

Arrangement

The collection is organized in the following series:

Physical Location

Mezzanine

Acquisition

Donated ot the Performing Arts Archives by Beth Obermeyer in 2017.

Related Material

Related collections at the University of Minnesota Libraries include: Minnesota Dance and the Ecstasies of Influences video recording (PA147).

Processing Information

The collection was processed and the finding aid written by Kathryn Hujda, 2017, with generous support from Creative Heritage Initiative donors.

Title
Beth Obermeyer papers
Author
Kathryn Hujda
Date
August 2017
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Collecting Area Details

Contact The Performing Arts Archives Collecting Area

Contact: