Beth Obermeyer papers

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.