Research Catalog

Title

Hand dance [videorecording].

Publication

1953.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Additional Authors

Nimura, Yeichi, 1897-1979

Description

1 videodisc (NTSC) (14 min.) : si., b&w; 4 3/4 in.

Summary

In this dance, which appears to be an improvisation, Yeichi Nimura explores the variety of silhouetted movements and shapes that his hands can make within a circle of light. He briefly includes a foot; and his face, usually in profile, intermittently enters the circle. A cloud of cigarette smoke appears twice, and towards the end of the film he introduces his cat, raising and lowering its body, nuzzling it, and extending its tail.

Donor/Sponsor

Bequest of the Estate of Lisan Kay Nimura.

Series Statement

Yeichi and Lisan Kay Nimura Collection

Genre/Form

• Dance.
• Video.

Event (note)

• Recorded in winter 1953.

Funding (note)

• Processing and cataloging made possible by the Estate of Lisan Kay Nimura.

System Details (note)

• DVD, transferred from 16mm film.

Source (note)

• Estate of Lisan Kay Nimura

Biography (note)

• Yeichi Nimura, 1897-1979, was born in Suwa, Japan, and came to the United States in 1918. He studied dance at the Denishawn school, and also trained in ballet, ballroom, and Spanish dancing. He first danced onstage in 1927 in a revue choreographed by his compatriot Michio Ito, and presented his first recital in 1930. He performed throughout the 1930s in works created by himself and others on the concert stage, in musical theater, and on American and foreign tours with his wife Lisan Kay. Retiring from the stage while still in his prime, he focused on teaching, coaching, and choreography. He choreographed the musical Lute song both on Broadway in 1946 and at City Center in 1959. He was a founder of the Ballet Arts school at "61" Carnegie Hall, and created works for his students. In recognition of his contributions to international cultural understanding, the Japanese government awarded him an Order of the Sacred Treasure in 1969. In 1973 he established the Nimura Dance Award in Japan in order to assist young dancers and recognize achievement.

Call Number

*MGZIDVD 5-5714

OCLC

682605428

Title

Hand dance [videorecording].

Imprint

1953.

Country of Producing Entity

United States.

Series

Yeichi and Lisan Kay Nimura Collection

System Details

DVD, transferred from 16mm film.

Performer

Performed by Yeichi Nimura.

Event

Recorded in winter 1953.

Funding

Processing and cataloging made possible by the Estate of Lisan Kay Nimura.

Biography

Yeichi Nimura, 1897-1979, was born in Suwa, Japan, and came to the United States in 1918. He studied dance at the Denishawn school, and also trained in ballet, ballroom, and Spanish dancing. He first danced onstage in 1927 in a revue choreographed by his compatriot Michio Ito, and presented his first recital in 1930. He performed throughout the 1930s in works created by himself and others on the concert stage, in musical theater, and on American and foreign tours with his wife Lisan Kay. Retiring from the stage while still in his prime, he focused on teaching, coaching, and choreography. He choreographed the musical Lute song both on Broadway in 1946 and at City Center in 1959. He was a founder of the Ballet Arts school at "61" Carnegie Hall, and created works for his students. In recognition of his contributions to international cultural understanding, the Japanese government awarded him an Order of the Sacred Treasure in 1969. In 1973 he established the Nimura Dance Award in Japan in order to assist young dancers and recognize achievement.

Source

Gift; Estate of Lisan Kay Nimura, Sept. 2007. NN-PD

Added Author

Nimura, Yeichi, 1897-1979, dancer.

Research Call Number

*MGZIDVD 5-5714