Special Collections Department
403 Parks Library
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2140

RS 10/7/51
Betty Lavergne Toman (1926-    )
Papers, 1930-2010, n.d.


Descriptive summary

creator:

Toman, Betty LaVergne (1926- )

title:

Papers

dates:

1930-2010, n.d.

extent:

1.68 linear feet (4 document boxes)

collection number:

RS 10/7/51

repository:

University Archives, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University.

 

Administrative information

access:

Open for research

publication rights:

Consult Head, Special Collections Department

preferred citation:

Betty Toman Papers, RS 10/7/51, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library.

 

Biographical note

Betty LaVergne Toman was born June 23, 1926 in Oak Park, Illinois. At the age of 3 she started to dance and a year later, she began dancing professionally; highlights included an appearance at the 1932 World's Fair in Chicago, when she was 8 years old.

Professor Toman graduated from Morton High School in Cicero, Illinois. She received a B. A. (1948) in Physical Education (Dance) from the University of Wisconsin, where she studied under Margaret H'Doubler, credited as the creator of dance education. She received her M. S. (1957) from Iowa State College (University).

The Head of the Department of Physical Education for Women, Germaine G. Guiot, brought her to Iowa State College (University), as a dance instructor (1948-1952). She was Assistant Professor (1952-1957), Associate Professor (1957-1964) and Professor and Dance Coordinator (1964-1988) in the Department of Physical Education. Professor Toman was named Distinguished Professor (1984). In 1988, she became Distinguished Emeritus Professor.

Although dance was first taught in 1928 at Iowa State, Professor Toman developed and implemented all aspects of the dance program, and accomplished her goal of creating a dance option major in the Department of Physical Education in 1966. She became synonymous with the modern dance concert Barjche (pronounced bar-shay). Barjche's name is from combined the first few letter of three students who presented the first concert (1944): Barbara Sgarlat Drexler, Charlotte Ann Stuart, and Jean Ringoen Williams. Under Professor Toman's 22-year direction, Barjche evolved to utilize the talents of students in three departments: theater, dance, and music. She also was the Director of the Iowa State University Dance Tour Company, and advisor to the dancers of Stars Over VEISHEA, Iowa State University's student-run festival theather production. She also advised Orchesis, a dance club that was originally formed in 1926 and took its current name the year Professor Toman took over as advisor (1965). Later, Professor Toman developed Orchesis II. As an additional program to the original Orchesis, it allows more students of varying dance skills to participate in a dance concert.

Professor Toman served in leadership positions in several national organizations, including: National Dance Association (NDA); American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (AAHPER); Iowa Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (IAHPER).

Professor Toman wrote and presented extensively for professional publications and schools, and co-directed four films on movement and design. Her major choreographic works include: Mitosis, Opus 24, Through the Ages..., The Last Dance, In the Beginning, Operation Jazz, A Motherless Child, and Dream World.

Professor Toman served on four major Iowa State University committees: Focus, 1974-1977; Public Events Committee, 1974-1988; Alvin Edgar Fund for Performing Arts, 1974-1988; and the Resident Review Committee, 1982-1988.

Professor Toman received numerous awards, including the Honor Award by the Iowa Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (IAHPER) in 1967 and Outstanding Professor by Iowa State in 1969. In 1972, the Iowa State Alumni Association awarded her with a Faculty Citation. She is also listed in both Who's Who of American Women and Who's Who of Women in Education.

Many professional dancers and instructors were her students, including Stephen Pier, Valerie Williams (who created Dance Co'Motion, Ames, Iowa), Vernon Windsor, the late Pete Pedersen, Nancy Moses, Marcia McGinnis, Paul Zmolek, and Robert Wechsler.

 

Collection description

The collection (1930-2010, n.d.) documents Professor Toman's professional life and includes correspondence, news clippings, published articles, and photographs. Materials relating to dance performances at Iowa State University by student groups and guest performers are also found in the collection.

The papers include biographical material and correspondence with professional colleagues. The range of Professor Toman's activities is illustrated by materials relating to performances and professional writings, as well as by teaching files and files about professional organizations.

Other materials in the collection include files relating to grants and materials about teachers and former students of Professor Toman.

 

Organization

The collection is organized into eleven series:

In addition, films by Betty Toman and artifacts associated with the collection are listed in the appendices.

 

Description of series

Series 1

Biographical Material

1931-2010, n.d.

extent:

0.36 linear feet
description:

This series contains vitae, resumes, news clippings, awards and honors, faculty improvement leave correspondence, distinguished professor application and reports, and Betty Toman Dance Studio dedication materials.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

1

1

Resumes, Nominations for Honor Awards, Vitae

1951-1995

1

2

News Clippings

1961-2010, n.d.

1

3

Awards and Honors

1931-2001, n.d.

1

4

Scrapbook-Outstanding Teacher Congratulations

1969

1

5

Distinguished Professorship – Letters of Recommendation

1977

1

6

Scrapbook-Distinguished Professor Award

1984

1

7

Faculty Improvement Leave, Applications and Reports

ca. 1977-1978

1

8

Retirement – Articles, Photographs

1988

1

9

Betty Toman Dance Studio

1995

Map case

C409 D06

Certificate, Very Special Arts

1986

 

Description of series

Series 2

Correspondence

1948-1988, n.d.
extent:

0.11 linear feet
description:

This series contains correspondence with faculty, schools, and dance associations, and scholarship donors for the John Hooper Summer Dance Study and the Anna R. Toman Dance Award.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

1

10

Correspondence and Thank-You Notes

1948-1979

1

11

Correspondence and Thank-You Notes

1980-1987, n.d.

1

12

John Hooper Scholarship Award

1976-1982

1

13

Anna R. Toman Dance Award/Guest Dance Artist Fund

1974-1988, n.d.

 

Description of series

Series 3

Articles, Panel Discussion, Papers, Theatre Appearances, Student Essays

1945-1995, n.d.
extent:

0.24 linear feet

description:

This series consists of articles, speeches, presentations, and theatre performances (including programs and a script).

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

2

1

Draft of Untitled Article, Untitled Paper

ca. 1945, n.d.

2

2

Program – "Opening Night"

1948

2

3

Musical Comedy: "A Hair Perhaps"

1949

2

4

Theatre – Performances, Programs

1949-1995,
n.d.

4

17

Presentation – Homemaker's Half Hour – "May I Have This Dance?"

1950

4

18

Presentation – Homemaker's Half Hour – "Do You Remember Miss Hush?"

1951

4

19

Presentation – "Dance Lesson, No. 2 TV Teen Show"

1954

4

20

Presentation – "TV Teen Show"

1954

2

5

Program – "Beaux Arts Ball"

1954

2

6

Essay – "Principals of Relaxation"
Voc Ed 590-H

1955

2

7

Article – "Rules and Principles of Mental Hygiene"

1955

4

21

Presentation – Radio Talk – "May I Have This Dance?"

1958

2

8

Panel Discussion – "Academic Implications of Non-verbal Learning as Related to Five Disciplines: Dance, Sculpture, Architecture, Music, Painting"

1965-1967

2

9

Article – "Dance – Physical Education's Art Form"

1969, n.d.

2

10

Presentation - "Let's Join In The Dance"

1979, 1981

2

11

Presentation - "Dance – Physical Educations Own Art Form"

1981

2

12

Speech and Article - "The Choreographic Experience"

1982-1983

2

13

Speech - "Sharing The Process"

1983

2

14

"A Guide To Curriculum Development In the Arts"

ca. 1985

2

15

Student Essay: "Movement, Art and ISU; Miss Toman's Dedication Through and Through"

1994

2

16

Article – "Dance Is"

n.d.

2

17

Draft Copy – Untitled Speech/Paper
Subject – History of Dance at ISU

n.d.

2

18

Presentation - "Modern Dance In the United States – A Look At The Heritage"

n.d.

2

19

Speech - "Dance – A Spirit That Moves Us"

n.d.

2

20

"The Placement of Dance Administratively"

n.d.

2

21

Program – "Beaux Arts Ball"

n.d.

 

Description of series

Series 4

Coursework, Teaching and Related Items

1956-1988, n.d.
extent:

0.23 linear feet
description:

This series contains instruction notes, correspondence, dance manuals, outlines, instructor evaluations and grading policies.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

2

22

Instructional Notes for TV Dance Lessons

1954, n.d.

2

23

Designs in Space-Class Instruction
PEW 120A and PE 120A

1956-1975, n.d.

2

24

Dance At Iowa State – Publicity, Mission Statement, Correspondence, Dance Program 5 year plan, Dance Annual Report, Course Offerings, Position Responsibilities for Dance Faculty

1971-1988,
n.d.

2

25

Manuals and Grading Policies

1973-1986,
n.d.

2

26

Dance 370 – Annual Reports

1982-1984,
n.d.

2

27

Instructor Evaluations from Students

1984-1986,
n.d.

2

28

Course Outlines

n.d.

 

Description of series

Series 5

Grants

1972-1985, n.d.
extent:

0.03 linear feet (2 folders)
description:

This series includes two groups: The Design Center Grants (Iowa State University Design College) and The Very Special Arts (a grant sponsored by the Governor of Iowa). The first group includes proposals, sketches, and budget costs. The latter group contains a resume, description of group, publicity and Board of Directors.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

3

1

Design Center Grants

ca. 1972-1979

3

2

Very Special Arts

1980-1985,
n.d.

 

Description of series

Series 6

Iowa State Dance Groups

1949-1996, n.d.
extent:

0.14 linear feet
description:

This series encompasses materials relating to Barjche, Orchesis I and II, and VEISHEA/Stars Over VEISHEA. It includes articles, correspondence, progress reports, programs, and photographs.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

3

3

Barjche

1951-1996,
n.d.

3

4

Orchesis I & II

1972-1987,
n.d.

3

5

VEISHEA/Stars Over VEISHEA

1949-1993,
n.d.

Map case

C409 D06

Performance, Dance Posters

1971-1988,
n.d.

 

Description of series

Series 7

Professional Organizations

1959-1989, n.d.
extent:

0.23 linear feet
description:

This series consists of information and on several professional organizations. There are reports, correspondence, minutes, and presentations in this series.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

3

6

Iowa Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (IAHPER)

1959-1966

3

7

Dance Tour – Virginia Grosse International Dance Tour

1965

3

8

American Dance Symposium

1969

3

9

Iowa Dance Groups

1972-1988

3

10

American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation – Division of Dance (AAHPERD)

1980-1981, n.d.

3

11

National Dance Association

1980-1992, n.d.

3

12

California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

1989

3

13

Perry-Mansfield Seminar

n.d.

 

Description of series

Series 8

Teachers

1945-1986, n.d.
extent:

0.07 linear feet
description:

This series contains documents pertaining to the two women who were instrumental in Professor Toman's professional life: Margaret H'Doubler and Louise Kloepper. The series includes photographs, articles, correspondence, a news clippings and a paper.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

3

14

Margaret H'Doubler

1945-1983, n.d.

3

15

Louise Kloepper

1975

 

Description of series

Series 9

Guest Performers

1939-1986, n.d.
extent:

0.36 linear feet
description:

This series includes materials on notable guest performers that Professor Toman brought from the dance world to Iowa State University to lecture and perform for students in her classes, primarily in Barjche and Orchesis.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

4

1

Broche, Alice

1985

4

2

Evans, Bill (Photographs: 2 – 8" x 10" b/w)

1970-1986,
n.d.

4

3

Graham, Martha and Dance Company (Photographs: 7 – 8" x 10" b/w)

1939-1986,
n.d.

4

4

Gray, Hariette Anne Dance Company Inc. (Photographs: 5 – 8" x 10" b/w)

1953-1977,
n.d.

4

5

Hawkins, Erick (Photographs: 2 – 8" x 10" b/w)

1939-1980,
n.d.

4

6

Holm, Hanya (Photographs: 2 – 3" x 5")

1949, n.d.

4

7

Shawn, Ted (Photograph: 1 – 3" x 3")

1952-1971

4

8

Wechsler, Robert (Photograph: 1 – 8" x 10")

1974-1985

4

9

Weidman, Charles (Photograph: 1 – 8" x 10")

1962-1976

 

Description of series

Series 10

Former Students

1978-2002, n.d.
extent:

0.03 linear feet
description:

This series comprises articles, correspondence, programs, awards, and photographs of former students.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

4

10

Former Students (Photographs: 2 – 3" x 5")

1978-1991, n.d.

4

11

Stephen Pier (Photograph: 1 – 3" x 5")

1984-2002, n.d.

 

Description of series

Series 11

Photographs

1930-1990, n.d.
extent:

0.07 linear feet
description:

This series includes photographs of Professor Toman, current and former students of hers, and photographs taken while she was teaching and studying abroad.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

4

12

Photographs: Betty Toman (Photographs: 10 – 3" x 3", 1 – 3" x 4", 1 – 5" x 3", 3 – 6" x 4", 7 – 8" x 10" b/w; 1 – 3" x 3", 1 – 3.5" x 5", 5 – 5" x 3", 1 – 6" x 4" color)

1930-1990, n.d.

4

13

Photographs: ISU Dancers (Photograph: 1 – 8" x 10")

ca. 1950

4

14

Photographs: Danish Rhythmic Gymnasts (Photographs: 2 – 5" x 3", 5 – 5" x 7", 2 – 9" x 7" b/w)

ca. 1981

4

15

Photographs: Unidentified Students (Photographs: 2 – 3" x 3", 2 – 4" x 3", 7 – 5" x 7", 2 – 8" x 10", 1 – 5" x 4.5" b/w)

n.d.

4

16

Bill Evans Performance Group, Touring Master #2, Zodiac Numbers–Audio Tape

1980

 

Description of series

Appendix 1 Betty Toman Films 1973-1978, n.d.

 

Container list

Title

Dates

Color In Dance #6846 – 8mm Film.

1973

Brahms Waltz – ISU Dance Tour Company. Choreographed by Charles Weidman. VHS Tape: 8.5 minutes. (Located in vault.)

1974

LUMIA: The Design of Dance #8782. – 8mm Film.

1976

LUMIA II: The Design of Dance #9336. Betty Toman, Music by Evelyn Jensen. – 8mm Film.

1978

Four Lecture/Demos in Dance. VHS Tape: 25 minutes. (Located in vault.)

n.d.

 

Description of series

Appendix 2 Artifacts 1950-1997, n.d.

 

Container list

 

Artifacts

Dates

2003-075.01 – Paperweight in shape of ticket. For Iowa State Center Campaign by Iowa State Foundation. Brass and Marble

n.d.

2003-075.02 – Plaque for Outstanding Service to Community. (Cyclone Award) Brass and Wood

n.d.

2003-075.03 – Plaque – Iowa Association of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation – Dance Division (IAHPERD) Merit Award. Wood and Brass.

1988

2003-075.04 – Plaque by Iowa Association of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation – Dance Division (IAHPERD) Honor Award. Brown-coated brass and wood.

1967, 1987

2003-075.05 – Medallion, significance unknown. Ribbon and Bronze.

n.d.

2003-075.06 – Medallion, Phi Kappa Phi Celebration of Excellence. Brass and Ribbon.

1997

2003-075.07 – Plaque by American Association of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation – Dance Division (AAHPERD) Honor Award. Plexiglass, paper, wood.

1987

2003-075.08 – Plaque to honor Betty Toman Dance Studio. Brass and Wood.

n.d.

2003-075.09 – Plaque by Iowa State University Distinguished Professor Award. Wood, paper, paint, ink.

1984

2003-075.10 – Plaque by Iowa State University Outstanding Teacher Award. Wood, paper, paint, shellac, ink

1969

2003-075.11 – Plaque by National Dance Association (NDA) Heritage Honoree Award. Brass and wood.

1992

2003-075.12 – Plaque. Barjche, (modern dance concert produced by) Orchesis. Paper, wood, stain.

n.d.

2003-075.13 – Plaque by Iowa Association of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation – Dance Division (IAHPERD) Past President. Painted brass plate and wood.

1987

2003-075.14 – Sash from Dancer. ISU Dance Co. Ribbon, glue, glitter.

n.d.

2003-075.15 – Ribbon from International Square Dance Festival, Prairie Farm – W L S. Ribbon, paper, plastic, brass pin.

1950