BYU

Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University Performing Groups

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 performing groups.

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.

Primary Sources

  • Sample materials dealing with Brigham Young University performing groups: A sample of the materials that contain information about BYU performing groups. 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.
    • 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.
    • MSS 3283 T. Earl Pardoe scrapbook, 1912-1920 The scrapbook contains newspaper clippings commenting on Dr. Pardoe’s performances from 1912 to 1920. T. Earl Pardoe was a faculty member at Brigham Young University in the College of Fine Arts and the first head of the drama program. He was also a distinguished musician.
    • MSS 2378 Dee Winterton collection, 1935-1984 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.
    • UA 761 Music programs, 1948-2000 Annual compilations of programs distributed at music performances. Each volume contains programs for a given school year. Collection lacks volumes for 1982-83 through 1995-96; also 1997-98 and 1998-99.
    • 378.21 W52 A history of folk dancing at Brigham Young University Gives the history of Brigham Young University’s Exhibition Folk Dance group including information on leadership, administration, teaching, finance, club membership growth, facilities and equipment, academics and the European tour during the years of 1956-1969.
    • UA 1282 box 1 Performance photographs, ca. 1960s Nine images from performances put on by the College of Fine Arts and Communications. The performances were Othello, Joan of Lorraine, and The Man who came to Dinner.
    • MSS SC 3010 Liu Yanping photographs, 1972-1996 Collection of photographs taken by Liu Yanping. Included are images of the Brigham Young University ballroom, folk, and other dance groups, and the Young Ambassadors, performing in Shanghai-Hong Pu, 1972, 1979, 1992, and 1995.
    • BX 8666.5 .B768 BYU Young Ambassadors, June 23 – August 19, 1973, Central – South America tour Includes a brief history of the group and the tour, itinerary, tour highlights, diary excerpts of members while travelling, pictures of the tour, newspaper articles about the performers and fan mail.
    • BX 8666.5 .B767 BYU Sounds, June-August 1974, South Africa-Rhodesia tour Includes the performance schedules, quotes documenting press and public response to performances, diary entries from group members, pictures of the tour, etc.
    • · BX 8648.1 .T374e “Eight weeks of miracles” : the Lamanite Generation tour of Mexico/Central/South America, Summer, 1975 A recollection of the tour of this performing group, documenting their travels and the miracles experienced as they were abroad.  Includes pictures from this tour.
    • 378.21 P254 The Dancers Company of Brigham Young University: Its Organization and Management Describes the establishment of the Dancer’s Company at Brigham Young University and its activities during its first year of existence.
    • UA SC 71 China and the orient 1983 Describes the tour of the Brigham Young University Folk Dancers.  Includes program notes and schedules, newspaper articles about the dancers, dairy excerpts of group members while abroad, and pictures of the tour.
    • UA 835 Compiled information on the Alfred Newman concert at Brigham Young University, [1987] Concert sponsored by the BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications in memory of Alfred Newman and Ken Darby, film composer and film music arranger, respectively. Includes program; advertisement; article from “The Cue Sheet”; and twenty-eight photographs of Ken Darby, performers, guests, and recording equipment. Compiled in 1997 by James V. D’Arc, curator of Arts and Communication Archives at BYU.
    • UA 5424 Series II Hosting Services slides of Brigham Young University performing groups Collection of slides showing performances and tours of the Ballroom Dance Company, Lamanite Generation, Young Ambassadors, and the International Folk Dancers.

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