Mascot Moskovina Vesely Papers
SPEC.TRI.MMV
Ohio State University Libraries Special Collections
0.2 Cubic feet
1914-1920
Mascot Moskovina Vesely was trained throughout her early life in gymnastics and dance, and became the first American to dance in Anna Pavlova's ballet company in 1914. She danced numerous roles with Pavlova on her South American tour from 1915-1918. After leaving the company, she was unable to return to the United States due to the events of World War I and her husband's German nationality. She stayed in South America to dance until 1919, at which point she returned to the United States. The Mascot Moskovina Vesely Papers contain 21 autographed letters, an unaddressed decorative envelope stamped from Buenos Aires, and 4 journal pages regarding a meeting with Anna Pavlova in 1914. The correspondence covers the year Mascot was employed as a dancer within Anna Pavlova's dance company in South America. The majority of the letters are providing dancing advice to Mrs. Billie Morton and her ward, "Little Nondas." The collection materials are dated 1914-1920.
(1) 2.5" letter document box
English
Vesely, Mascot Moskovina
Arrangement of Materials
This collection is arranged chronologically by date of correspondence, with undated correspondence listed alphabetically by topic or format description at the end. The journal pages are listed after the correspondence run.
Acquisitions Information
Purchase, 2012
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], Mascot Moskovina Vesely Papers, SPEC.TRI.MMV, Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute, Ohio State University
Access to Materials
Materials in this collection are available for use, but may be used in the Thompson Library Special Collections reading room only.
Use of Materials
Materials in this collection may be protected by copyright, and are made available for research and educational purposes. In general, the OSU Libraries do not own the copyright for materials from our collections and cannot grant copyright permissions for these materials. The user is responsible for making a final determination of copyright status. If copyright protection applies, permission must be obtained from the copyright holder to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exceptions to the law. Works in the public domain are not protected by copyright and do not require permission to use.
Processing Information
Processed by: Rex Hughes II, 2012; Finding aid written by: Rex Hughes, II, 2012; Beth Crowner, 2019
Biographical Note
Mascot Moskovina Vesely (1896-1980) had early training in gymnastics and dancing lessons through the Blackburn Academy of Pittsburgh. At the age of sixteen, she was given the opportunity to audition with Lydia Kyasht during a visit with her parents to London. She became the first American to dance in Anna Pavlova's ballet company in 1914, and she danced numerous roles with Pavlova on her South American tour from 1915-1918. After leaving the company, she was unable to return to the United States due to the events of World War I and her husband's German nationality. She stayed in South America to dance until 1919, at which point she returned to the United States where founded a dance studio in Florida in 1928. She taught dance until her death in 1980.
Scope and Content
The Mascot Moskovina Vesely Papers contain 21 autographed letters, an unaddressed decorative envelope stamped from Buenos Aires, and 4 journal pages regarding a meeting with Anna Pavlova in 1914. The correspondence covers the year Mascot was employed as a dancer within Anna Pavlova's ballet company in South America, with topics such as the reception of the audience, performances, and her attitude towards the company. The majority of the letters are addressed to Mrs. Billie Morton and her ward, "Little Nondas." Mascot often provides dancing advice to the young girl, who was interested in ballet instruction, and included illustrations of dance costumes and classical poses used in the company. The collection materials are dated 1914-1920.
Pavlova, Anna
Vesely, Mascot Moskovina
Ballerinas--South America--20th century
Ballet companies--South America--20th century
Ballet dancing--20th century
Correspondence
Women dancers--United States--20th century
Morton, (Mrs. Jas. G.) correspondence sent
1
1
1915 October 31
Morton, (Nondas) correspondence sent
1
2
1915 December 8
Morton, (Mrs. Jas. G.) correspondence sent
1
3
1916 October 28
Morton, (Mrs.) correspondence sent
1
4
1916-1917
Morton, (Mrs. B.) correspondence sent
1
5
1917 January 8
Morton, (Mrs. and Nondas) correspondence sent
1
6
1917 February 14
Morton, (Mrs.) correspondence sent
1
7
1917 April 11
Morton, (Mrs. Jas. G.) correspondence sent
1
8
1917 June 8
Morton, (Mrs. Billie) correspondence sent
1
9
1917 August 14
Morton, (Nondas) correspondence sent
1
10
1917 August
Morton, (Mrs. Billie and Nondas) correspondence sent
1
11
1917 November 11
Morton, (Mrs. Billie and Nondas) correspondence sent
1
12
1918 January 7
Morton, (Mrs. Billie) correspondence sent
1
13
1918 February 27
Morton, (Mrs. Billie) correspondence sent
1
14
1918 March 20
Morton, (Nondas) correspondence sent
1
15
1918-1919
Morton, (Mrs. Billie and Nondas) correspondence sent
1
16
1919 February 3
Morton, (Mrs. Billie and Nondas) correspondence sent
1
17
1919 February 11
Morton, (Mrs. Billie) correspondence sent
1
18
1919 November 19
Morton, (Mrs. Billie and Nondas) correspondence sent
1
19
1919 November 26
Morton, (Mrs. Billie) correspondence sent
1
20
1920 January 5
Morton, (Mrs. Billie and Nondas) correspondence sent
1
21
1920 February 29
Morton, (Mrs. Billie) correspondence sent
1
22
1920 May 27
Morton, (Nondas) correspondence sent
1
23-24
undated
Oukrainsky (Mr.) correspondence sent
1
25
undated
General Note
Page 3 may belong to another piece of correspondence, but was found inside this note.
Unaddressed decorative envelope stamped Buenos Aires
1
26
undated
Journal pages regarding meeting with Anna Pavlova
1
27
1914 March 24-30