Collection: Walda Welch Collection | ArchivesSpace Public Interface

The Walda Welch Collection holds 260 items consisting of photographs, papers, prints, manuscripts, and textiles. The bulk of these items originate from Welch’s time as a member of Sergei Denham’s Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo during the 1954-1955 season. The collection includes Welch’s Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo suitcase and her overnight bag from the season. The collection also includes correspondence with and autographed photographs of Tamara Karsavina, as well as a pair of Karsavina’s pointe shoes.

Dates

1939 - 2004

Conditions Governing Access

The Collections are available to researchers by appointment. Please fill out Research Inquiry form at https://www.brarchive.ou.edu/contact.

Conditions Governing Use

The Ballets Russes Special Collections and Archive holds the physical rights only to materials. Researchers must secure written permission from the Collections to publish archival material. Researchers assume all responsibility for conforming to copyright laws and for correctly citing the source of the materials.

Extent

6 Boxes (250 Items, 3 textile items) ; 5.09 linear feet

Additional Description

Overview

Walda Welch was an American dancer in the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. This collection documents her time in the company and her training before joining the company. It also contains communication from Tamara Karsavina, whom she trained with before joining Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo.

Biographical / Historical

Walda Welch from Boston, Massachusetts danced in the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo from 1954 – 1955. At the age of 14, she first saw Alexandra Danilova and Frederick Franklin perform with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. She states, "the dance bug bit me." In 1953 Welch attended The Royal Ballet School in London where she met Tamara Karsavina with whom she maintained contact and correspondence. Welch signed with Sergei Denham’s company in 1954 and danced with the company for the 1954-1955 Season. She toured with the company and danced in the summer stay in Washington DC at Carter Baron Amphitheatre. Welch left the company to return to Boston University as a student in 1955.