On Friday, June 7, Alison Hinderliter, the Newberry’s Lloyd Lewis Curator of Modern Manuscripts and Selector for Modern Music, was honored with the 2024 Hedwig Dance Heritage Award by Hedwig Dances, a contemporary dance company based in Chicago. Alison curates an extensive dance collection at the library that chronicles the history of a storied and thriving dance community in Chicago. At the core of this collection are the personal papers and research collection of dance critic Ann Barzel. The collection also includes the archival records of prominent Chicago dance companies like Hubbard Street Dance Company, Chicago City Ballet, and Joel Hall Dancers. In recent years, Alison has worked to acquire the records of Mordine and Company and Chicago Multicultural Dance Company. Most recently, Alison has partnered with the Chicago Dance History Project, which is creating a video oral history of Chicago dancers, companies, and supporters.
“The encyclopedic knowledge of the complex history of Chicago dance that Alison possesses is an irreplaceable treasure,” said Michael McStraw, Executive Director of Chicago Dance History Project. “How fortunate the dance community is to be the recipient of her unwavering advocacy, passion, and support.”
The Dance Heritage Award was presented at Hedwig’s annual gala, where the company celebrated thirty-nine years of dancemaking. In addition to recognizing Alison for her efforts to preserve the history of dance in Chicago, Hedwig Dances also presented the 2024 Dance Advocacy Award to lighting designer Ken Bowen.
“Alison has emerged as a de facto ambassador for Chicago dance and an articulate spokesperson for what distinguishes Chicago’s rich and varied dance history,” said Jan Batoszek, Artistic Director of Hedwig Dances.
In 2019, Alison co-curated the Newberry exhibition The Legacy of Chicago Dance, which surveyed the history of Chicago’s dance community, showcasing how different dance styles not only co-existed but often converged in unexpected and creative ways. Alison is also well known for her curation of the recent exhibition, A Night at Mister Kelly's.
“Our dance collections at the Newberry are a wealth of information not only on the art form of dance, but also to the story of Chicago. We are proud to house photographs, programs, video clips, costume pieces, pointe shoes, and so much more. There is much to discover at the Newberry for lovers of dance,” said Will Hansen, Roger and Julie Baskes Vice President for Collections and Library Services at the Newberry. “This recognition for Alison is well-deserved and speaks to the tremendous care and passion she brings to her work.”