Michelle O'Bryan Hamel Papers

Collection

Identifier: D079

Staff Only

Abstract

This collection contains cosmetics and realia used by Michelle O'Bryan Hamel during her time as prima ballerina for Denver Civic Ballet (1958-1979).

Dates

1958-1979

Creator

Metropolitan Denver Civic Ballet (Organization)

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

Michelle O'Bryan Hamel was born in Denver in 1942. She started attended dance classes at the age of 5 at Lillian Cushing's studio. She continued dancing with Lillian Cushing until in 1958, she auditioned for a new local dance company, Metropolitan Denver Civic Ballet (later to be known as Denver Civic Ballet). Michelle quickly rose through the ranks and danced as Denver Civic Ballet's prima ballerina for the company's entire existence. During her time with Denver Civic Ballet, Michelle taught at Denver Ballet Academy, serving as its assistant director at times. Denver Civic Ballet folded in 1979. After the fall of Denver Civic Ballet, Michelle danced and choreographed with David Taylor Dance Theatre. Michelle has served on the board of the Carson Brierly Giffin Dance Library and continues to teach at Cleo Parker Robinson's studio. Michelle was honored by the Carson Birerly Giffin Dance Library in 2009 as a 'Living Legend of Dance.'

Extent

1.0 Linear Feet (1 container)

Additional Description

Scope and Contents

This collection contains cosmetic materials and realia used by Michelle O'Bryan Hamel including a tiara, hair brush, perfume, and powder container.

Arrangement

Items are arranged in one series: Cosmetic Materials.

Related Materials

Michelle O'Bryan has donated costumes and materials related to Denver Civic Ballet. These materials have been added to the Denver Civic Ballet Records (D053).

Michelle is a 2009 Living Legend of Dance. Her interview has been placed in: Friends of The Dance Archive 'Living Legends of Dance' Oral Histories (D009.08.0003.0002).

Michelle was interviewed as part of the "Rising Stars: Denver Civic Ballet and Ballet Guild" project. Her interview has been added to Carson Brierly Giffin Dance Library "Rising Stars: Denver Civic Ballet and Ballet Guild" Oral History Project (D069).