Kinch, Myra

Myra Kinch was born in 1904. A graduate of UCLA, she trained as a dancer with Muriel Stuart, Eugenia Eduardova, and Vincenzo Celli. She also studied abroad in Germany in the 1920s. In the 1930s, Kinch returned to the United States to become director and choreographer of the West Coast Dance Project of the Federal Theater Project, a program created under the New Deal. In 1948 Kinch was named head of the modern dance department at the Jacob’s Pillow dance school and summer festival, where she remained for twenty five years. Kinch’s dance repertoire was composed of satires. She lampooned diverse subjects like a weary circus dancer, a family of acrobats, and stereotypes of classic ballet. Myra Kinch died in Bonita Springs, Florida in 1981 at the age of 77.

From the guide to the Myra Kinch papers, 1920-1970, (The New York Public Library. Jerome Robbins Dance Division.)

Noted choreographer and dancer, Myra Kinch (1904-1981) came to specialize in satirical dance pieces.

A graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles, she trained as a dancer with La Meri, Muriel Stuart, Eugenia Eduardova, and Vincenzo Celli. She also studied and performed in Germany during the 1920s. In the 1930s, Kinch returned to the United States to become director and choreographer of the West Coast Dance Project of the WPA Federal Theater Project. In 1948, Kinch was named head of the modern dance department at the Jacob's Pillow dance school and summer festival, where she remained for twenty five years. Kinch's work lampooned diverse subjects, as well as stereotypes of classical ballet. Among her most well known pieces were Bajour (which featured Ted Shawn), Tomb for Two, and A Waltz is a Waltz is a Waltz.

From the description of Myra Kinch papers, 1920-1970. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 162130351