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Aquiles Garcia oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02250

Abstract

Oral history interview with Aquiles Garcia conducted by Claytee D. White on January 10 and February 20, 2015 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Garcia discusses the political atmosphere and risks of being gay in Juan Perón’s Argentina in the 1940s, Las Vegas, Nevada life in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and his dual Las Vegas careers as a dancer and a casino dealer throughout the second half of the twentieth century.

Archival Collection

Carmella Rickman Papers

Identifier

MS-00541

Abstract

The Carmella Rickman Papers (1955-1999) document Rickman’s career as a burlesque dancer as well as her later life in Las Vegas, Nevada. She performed primarily in Washington, D.C. and along the east coast of the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. Materials include promotional photographs of Rickman and newspaper and magazine clippings about her performances, as well as photographs and promotional material for other burlesque dancers. The collection includes one beaded costume worn by Rickman. It also includes photographs of Rickman’s life in the 1990s in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Audrey (June) Taylor Henry oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00842

Abstract

Oral history interview with Audrey Taylor Henry conducted by Claytee D. White on February 26, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview Audrey Henry discusses her early childhood, going to the prestigious New York School of Performing Arts, and becoming a dancer. She then talks about dancing around the world and in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also discusses having to leave dance to have more time with her family, becoming an on-air radio personality, and earning her undergraduate and master's degrees.

Archival Collection

Patricia A. Merl oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01285

Abstract

Oral history interview with Patricia Merl conducted by Claytee D. White on October 09, 2008 October 28, 2008 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Patricia Merl discusses her career as a professional dancer, working at the famous Radio City Music Hall, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada for opportunities in dancing, and moving to Florida for new possibilities. She also discusses teaching at the Hotel School at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and working as the Director of Gaming Outreach for the International Gaming Institute.

Archival Collection

Nancy Williams oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01993

Abstract

Oral history interview with Nancy Williams conducted by Joyce Marshall on June 13, 1996 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. In this interview, Williams talks about her early life and career as a dancer. She describes moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1948, organized crime in Las Vegas casinos, and segregation of African American entertainers at the time. Williams remembers riding horses to and from casinos, the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) union, and early showgirl costumes. Lastly, Williams talks about retiring from dancing and establishing a school of dance in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Bill Campbell Costume Designs

Identifier

MS-00588

Abstract

The Bill Campbell Costume Designs (1954-1978) are comprised of original costume design sketches created by designer Bill Campbell for a number of Donn Arden's stage productions, including Pzazz!, Hello America, and Hello Hollywood Hello that were staged in the Crystal Room at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1960s and 1970s. The collection also contains some sketches for other revues held in Los Angeles, California and Reno, Nevada. The majority of items in the collection are original drawings with attached fabric swatches; a number of items are xeroxed reproductions.

Archival Collection

Marjorie Pierce oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01483

Abstract

Oral history interview with Marjorie Pierce conducted by Andres Moses on January 17, 2006 for the Living to Dance: Tapping in Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Pierce discusses her early life in Kansas City, Missouri and becoming a dancer at a young age. She talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1951, performing at the Desert Inn Hotel and Casino and the Dunes Hotel and Casino, and being cast in the musical Tenderloin. Pierce describes tap dancing techniques and unions for professional dancers.

Archival Collection

Carolyn MacMullen oral history interviews

Identifier

OH-02117

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Carolyn MacMullen conducted by Su Kim Chung on April 21, 2014 and July 07, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: an Oral History Project of Ward 1. In these interviews, MacMullen discusses being a dancer in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Sands, Desert Inn, and Sahara throughout the 1950s. She recalls working as a dresser and describes what it is like to be backstage during a show production. MacMullen then talks about changes in showgirl costumes, the Texas Copa Girls, and her decision to stop dancing. Lastly, MacMullen discusses living in the West Charleston area and changes in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Keena Smith oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02197

Abstract

Oral history interview with Keena Smith conducted by Winita Frederick on November 25, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Smith discusses her personal history and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. She describes what Las Vegas was like as a child, her upbringing in dance, and the significance that participating in the arts has on her life. Smith describes the auditioning process for shows in Las Vegas, her experience as an African American dancer, and being a cast member for The Lion King. Lastly, Smith talks about teaching dance courses at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Betty Francisco oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03575

Abstract

Oral history interview with Betty Francisco conducted by Joanne Goodwin on August 12, 2002 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Francisco opens her interview by discussing her early life in Arizona and California. Francisco then talks about her dance career in Las Vegas, Nevada, starting with her work at the Dunes Hotel. Francisco also discusses working for choreographer Harold Minsky. Finally, Francisco describes common dancer experiences, such as getting injured or sick.

Archival Collection