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Dottie Dee Dancers Photograph Collection

Identifier

PH-00358

Abstract

The Dottie Dee Dancers Photograph Collection (approximately 1940-2008) consists of black-and-white photographic reprints of the La Bard Dancers and the Dottie Dee Dancers at the El Rancho in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Dottie Dee Dancers Collection

Identifier

MS-00544

Abstract

The Dottie Dee Dancers Collection (approximately 1940-2002) is comprised of newspaper clippings and photographs documenting the career of Dorothy (Dalton) Tomlin who led a line of dancers known as the Dottie Dee Dancers. The dancers performed in nightclubs in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other western cities. Other items in the collection include scans of the original costume drawings by Hollywood costume designer Lloyd Lambert that were created for the Dottie Dee Dancers, and the transcripts of a 2002 oral history of Dottie and her husband, Donald Tomlin.

Archival Collection

Maryann Picchi Collection on Las Vegas Showgirls and Entertainment

Identifier

MS-01141

Abstract

The Maryann Picchi Collection on Las Vegas Showgirls and Entertainment (approximately 1965-2009) contains newspapers clippings and programs for different shows on the Las Vegas Strip that featured showgirls from the 1970s to the 1990s. Shows represented in this collection includes Casino de Paris, Folies Bergère, and Jubilee!. Materials include programs for Stardust Resort and Casino cast and crew member reunions. Materials were donated by Maryann Picchi who used to perform as a showgirl for the Stardust.

Archival Collection

UNLV Libraries Collection of Compton Dancer Consulting Promotional Reports

Identifier

MS-00164

Abstract

The UNLV Libraries Collection of Compton Dancer Consulting reports (2002-2008) contains monthly promotional reports compiled for CDC Gaming by H. Scot Krause. The reports list a variety of promotions at Las Vegas, Nevada casinos including slot tournaments, bonus point redemption promotions, "double point days", service industry deals, and more.

Archival Collection

"Holiday in Japan" dancers joint oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00954

Abstract

Oral history joint interview with the "Holiday in Japan" dancers conducted by Claytee D. White on May 26, 2011 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. The dancers present for the interview were Sachiko O. Thompson, Minoru Saito, Kazu Hamada, Kyoko Nakamura, Nobuko Suda, and Katsuko Tomoko Billman. The dancers begin by discussing their lives in Japan before coming to the United States in 1960 to perform their "Holiday in Japan" stage show. They describe their reactions to coming to the United States and compare it to life in Japan, as well as their reactions to coming to Las Vegas, Nevada specifically. They discuss performing their show at the New Frontier Hotel and Casino, Desert Inn Hotel and Casino, and Dunes Hotel and Casino. They describe their show, which presented Japanese culture to Western audiences, and the work that went into it. They end the interview by detailing their lives and careers after performances of the show concluded in 1961.

Archival Collection

Kim Krantz oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01046

Abstract

Oral history interview with Kim Krantz conducted by Joyce (Marshall) Moore on February 26, 1996 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Krantz begins her interview discussing her transition from an east coast dancer to a Las Vegas, Nevada dancer. Krantz discusses the performing scene at the time and the general distaste dancers had for showgirls. Krantz goes on to discusses the details of nudity in performances and the relationships show directors like Harold Minsky and Donn Arden had with their performers. Krantz also discusses her experiences as a dancer and her opinions about the treatment of African American dancers.

Archival Collection

Donn Arden Photographs

Identifier

PH-00328

Abstract

The Donn Arden Photographs (approximately 1920-1989) contain photographs, negatives, and photographic slides of dancer and choreographer Donn Arden. The photographs primarily document Arden's life as a dancer and choreographer in Las Vegas, Nevada and in Paris, France, including performances at the Stardust Hotel, Desert Inn, and MGM Grand in Las Vegas and the Lido in Paris. The photographs also depict rehearsals, dancers, showgirls, Arden's friends and family, and performance locations.

Archival Collection

Dolly Kelepecz oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00994

Abstract

Oral history interview with Dolly Kelepecz conducted by Claytee D. White on April 29, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Kelepecz discusses her career as a ballet dancer, a performer in a circus, and a showgirl and dancer in Las Vegas, Nevada, especially in the Lido at the Stardust Hotel and Casino. She also discusses her time as a model, a pilates instructor, and running the Opus Dance ensemble. Kelepecz then discusses teaching a class at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

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

Barbara Davis oral history interviews

Identifier

OH-03610

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Barbara Davis conducted by Joanne Goodwin on December 18, 1996 and March 25, 1997 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Davis opens her interviews by discussing her audition for the Folies Bergere as a dancer with limited experience. Davis describes working with the Folies Bergere as a touring showgirl in the 1940s. She discusses touring the United States in the Folies Bergere, touring South America for three years, and going to college at night while performing during the day. Davis then talks about the city of Reno, Nevada and working as a showgirl there. Davis addresses common rumors about showgirls, such as being involved in prostitution or being addicted to gambling. She then discusses her interest in education in her later years including earning various post graduate degrees. Davis ends her interview with a discussion on classic entertainment of the 1940s, including vaudeville and entertainment hotspots of the time.

Archival Collection