Ralstin/Murphy collection relating to Vera-Ellen and the Hessler Dance Studio, 1929-2010

Collection Summary

Title	Ralstin/Murphy collection relating to Vera-Ellen and the Hessler Dance Studio, 1929-2010
Span Dates	1929-2010
Bulk Dates	(bulk 1935-1952)
Call No.	ML31.V47
Extent	610 items
Extent	4 containers
Extent	2.25 linear feet
Language	Collection material in English
Location	Music Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Finding Aid Permalink	Cite or bookmark this finding aid as: https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.music/eadmus.mu018007
LCCN Permalink	LC Catalog record: https://lccn.loc.gov/2014572572
Summary	Two scrapbooks document the activities of the Hessler Dance Studio of Cincinnati, Ohio, during the 1930s and also the performance career of one of the studio's pupils, Vera-Ellen Rohe. Vera-Ellen (1921-1981), who performed under her first name, acted and danced in Hollywood films in the 1940s and 1950s. Scrapbooks were compiled by Violet and Catherine Ralstin and Catherine's husband, Paul Murphy, friends from growing up together in Ohio. Correspondence in the collection is between them and their families and Vera-Ellen and her mother, Alma Rohe. Additional items such as recital programs, ticket stubs, and handwritten dance routines document the dance activities and training at the Hessler Dance Studio. The career of Vera-Ellen and several other notables trained by the Hessler studio are documented in magazine and newspaper articles.