Lillian Covillo Papers

Collection

Identifier: D022

Staff Only

Abstract

Lillian Covillo was an alumna of the University of Denver who co-founded the Colorado Ballet along with Freidann Parker. This collection includes photos, programs, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks and ephemera related to Covillo and Parker's dance work and teaching.

Dates

1936-2010

Creator

Covillo, Lillian, 1921- (Person)

Digital Repository

Lillian Covillo Papers

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright not evaluated: The copyright and related rights status of this Item has not been evaluated. Please refer to the organization that has made the Item available for more information. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. See: https://rightsstatements.org/page/CNE/1.0/?language=en

Biographical / Historical

A native of Denver, Lillian began her ballet studies at St. Philomena's Catholic School with Lucille Brush. During the summer she studied with Bently Stone and dance pioneer Ruth Page, in Chicago. Lillian had just graduated from high school when she was asked to take over the classes at Sr. Philomena's with the proviso that she continue her education. Lillian attended Loretto Heights College and the University of Denver. At DU, while dancing with Martha Wilcox's dance troupe, she met Freidann Parker. This meeting began a partnership that oversaw Covillo-Parker School of Ballet, the founding of Denver Civic Ballet and Colorado Concert Ballet, and the transition of the company to Colorado Ballet. Lillian passed away in 2010.

Extent

3.5 Linear Feet (3 containers)

Additional Description

Scope and Contents

This collection contains photographs, scrapbooks, clippings, and programs.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in 8 series: 1. Work with Denver Grand Opera 2. Lillian's Own Dance Work 3. Freidann Parker 4. Students' Dancing 5. Ephemera 6. Newspaper Clippings 7. Colorado Concert Ballet and Colorado Ballet 8. Scrapbook

Related Materials

Lillian Covillo is a 2004 Living Legend of Dance. Her interview has been placed in: Friends of The Dance Archive 'Living Legends of Dance' Oral Histories (D009.03.0005.00002).