LONNY JOSEPH GORDON
The world renowned dance pioneer writes a thank you letter to John Willis, editor of Dance World
Autograph letter signed: "Lonny Joseph Gordon" 1 page, 5x8½. No place, February 12, 1972. In full: "Dear Mr. Willis- From Crown Publishing, I have recently received a copy of Dance World 1971--Thank you for having included [illegible] and photos of my work in this edition--It's fellow duet cover was an auspicious symbol--Cordially". On verso of letter, he pens, "For every season of your heart all fellow wishes". Lonny Joseph Gordon, himself a pioneer of dance and performance, has been the artistic director of GORDONDANCE since he founded the company over 40 years ago. He has also chaired the Dance Departments at the University of Nevada Las Vegas and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and he served as the founding director of development for the Las Vegas Performing Arts Center. The first World Outreach Professor for Illinois State University, Gordon is also the college's Dean of Fine Arts and the ambassador for the Fine Arts. Theatre World, founded in 1945 by Daniel Blum, is America's oldest annual record of Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theatre, referenced by industry professionals, historians, students and theatre fans worldwide. Until 1998, when a separate nonprofit corporation was established, Theatre World's editorial staff bestowed the prestigious Theatre World Awards for outstanding Broadway and Off-Broadway debuts. Screen World (from 1950) and Dance World (from 1966), administered from the same office, furnished comprehensive information on those entertainment genres. John A. Willis (1916-2010), active in Theatre World from the beginning, became its chief editor in 1965, holding that position until 2008. Willis is regarded as one of the foremost theatre and film historians of the 20th century. While producing (and presenting) the annual Theatre World Awards, Willis also served on the nominating committee for the Tony Awards. Theatre World, which received its own Tony for Excellence in Theatre in 2001, continues under chief editor Ben Hodges. Normal mailing folds. Lightly creased. Otherwise, fine condition.