What's New In Special Collections

Living to Dance: Tapping in Las Vegas

By Claytee White, Director of the UNLV Oral History Research Center

Dr. Marcia Robinson, Director of the West Las Vegas Arts Center, called my attention to a group of older women who enjoy tap dance classes at her facility several time per week.

One Sunday afternoon, I met the leader of the group, Carolyn Freeman, wife of jazz great, Russ Freeman. Her enthusiasm captured my attention. That following week, Andres Moses, Regent Awards Program Student, and I went over with the video camera.

The six septuagenarian and octogenarian women of diverse backgrounds were led through intricate steps by a young man fifty years their junior, Lindell Blake. Andres and I immediately scheduled interviews. Please enjoy and grow younger just by watching their moves and listening to their stories.

Videos

Rose Hamilton & Friends

This segment from the Boyer Early Las Vegas History Project highlights the memories of Rose Hamilton and friends. Rose, Carolyn, Marilyn, Deloris and Bobbie grew up together in Las Vegas and they are still very good friends.

The interview by Claytee White, Director of the Oral History Research Center, was taped in Bobbie's home on January 20, 2007.

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Staff Highlight: Claytee White and Finding Las Vegas

Claytee White

When the average person talks about Las Vegas as decadent, sinful, dangerous and seedy, I am always the person in the room who argues the opposites.  From my vantage point I see a city that is vibrant, exciting and alive with possibilities.  Why the difference in perspective?  I see Las Vegas from inside average homes where I go to document the city's history.  I see Las Vegas as I record stories sitting at a kitchen table sharing a cup of coffee, or in the den with the family dog jumping on my lap, or on a patio listening to memories while watching a sunset.…Read More

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