Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University and the Department of Dance

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brigham Young University’s remarkable history can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives. The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of Brigham Young University’s Department of Dance.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976.
  • Butterworth, Edwin Jr. Brigham Young University: 1,000 Views of 100 Years. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.
• Secondary Sources related to the Department of Dance
  • 378.2 W784 1998 A history of ballroom dance at Brigham Young University from 1875 to 1998 : focusing on the significant contributions of selected directors Gives a chronological history of the Ballroom Dance program at Brigham Young University focusing on its many directors and the contributions made by them throughout the program’s development.
  • 318.2 Sm64 1986 The History of Ballet at Brigham Young University A history of the ballet program at Brigham Young University covering the years 1964 to 1984. Includes information on the inception of the program.

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with the Brigham Young University Department of Dance: A sample of the materials that contain information about BYU’s Department of Dance. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
• The following item is restricted.  Please contact the University Archivist for more information regarding access to this collection.
• UA 1140 Department of Dance records, 1959-2000 Collection concerning the Department of Dance, and includes dance instructions for a wide variety of dances, Mutual Improvement Association files, meeting minutes, reports, surveys, reviews, memoranda, correspondence, and other materials for the period between 1959 and 2000. Restricted for 25 years after the creation of the records and thereafter open to the public after consultation with the University Archivist and in accordance with the General Restriction Statement of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections.
• Sample materials related to the Department of Dance:
  • MSS 2378 Dee Winterton collection, 1935-1984 He was a professor in the Dance Department at Brigham Young University. This collection consists of nine journals spanning the years from 1971-1984, which chronicle Dee Winterton’s experience as a professor at Brigham Young University, his work with the Ririe-Woodbury dance company, touring with the Brigham Young University Young Ambassadors, and his life with his family in those same years. Also included in the collection are personal papers, correspondence, and photographs relating to Dee’s teaching career, family life, and touring experiences

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the history of the Brigham Young University Department of Dance. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other materials.