Derra de Moroda Dance Archives

University of Salzburg

Salzburg | Website

Short Description

The Derra de Moroda Dance Archives (DdMDA) in Salzburg were founded by the dancer, choreographer, dance-educationalist and dance-publicist Friderica Derra de Moroda (1897–1978), who donated her renowned dance collection to the Institute of Musicology (today the Department of Art, Music and Dance Studies) of the University of Salzburg in 1975.
In addition to more than 7,000 books on dance and related topics like theater, costume/stage design, fashion, folklore and Cultural Studies covering six centuries (16th–21st century), the collection comprises also musical materials (including original prints from the 17th century), libretti (17th–20th century), autographical letters by dancers and choreographers (18th–20th century), journals and magazines (18th–20th century), an extensive collection of iconographical sources (16th–20th century, consisting of paintings, engravings, etchings, lithographs, photographs), of posters, programs and newspaper clippings, as well as digital media (videos, DVDs, digital publications).
The original Derra de Moroda dance archives are strongly represented by 17th- and 18th-century dance treatises and writings, three centuries of dance notation, 19th-century Romantic ballet, the Ballets Russes, central-European Ausdruckstanz, national dance, and social dance.
Following its donation to the University, the collection has been continually updated with new literature from the field of dance studies. Furthermore the archive also keeps various writings from the personal legacy of Derra de Moroda, including drafts and manuscripts of her publications, notes, card indexes, and more than 1000 letters.

Contact Person

Dr Irene Brandenburg

Research Services

Access to the library and archival materials on site; borrowing books and media from certain parts of the collection; subject-specific research for scholarly, artistic and information projects and publications; archive tours; picture research; preparation and distribution of digital documents for analogue and digital publications; lending collection items for exhibitions

Methods & Expertise for Research Infrastructure

As a hybrid archive, collection, and library, the Derra de Moroda Dance Archives have established itself as the center for research, documentation, and knowledge about dance in Salzburg and beyond. A central task of the Dance Archives, which stems from its connection to the University of Salzburg’s Department for Musicology and Dance Studies, is to support academic teaching and research through the preparation of archival materials. Our archival staff also supports scholars from abroad by addressing their queries, helping with subject-specific research projects, and publications.
Moreover, the archive also realizes its role as facilitator of knowledge on dance and movement through exhibitions, diverse scholarly and artistic projects, tours, and other events.