144 West 16th Street
New York City

February 15th, 1940

Dr. F. Ge Allen, Chairman
Department of Physical Education
University of Sansas

Lawrence, Kansas

Dear Dr. Allen,

Having majored in dance-drama and received a
B.eSe in eduction from New College, Columbia University irjthe
autumn of 1939, and having devoted the winter to professional
training in modern dance at the Humphrey-Weidman studio, I am
now anxious to pursue studies leading to a M.A. in the field
of physical education.
However, “ am also eager to continue with my
primary interest, that of teaching dance in college. As a
member of the senior class at New College, I became one of the
leaders of the dance group and, in wogxing with this group, I
learned that dance need not be an ‘'ivory-tower' subjects; it
can be a real expression of individuals in théir society. I
wish to see college dancing emphasize the creative approach.
working as a group promotes democratic living and putting group
ideas into an art form can help clarify social concepts.

My background in dance is varied. I have studied
rhythmic dancing with Alys Bentley for years; I know #“nglish
folk-dancing well, and can lead American @quare-dancing. I
attended theBennington School of the Dance in 1934, have
continued modern dancing throughout college. I feel that this
makes me eligible to teach dancing and that I have had enough
physical education to allow me to assist in the department.

I am therefore writing you to inquire if you have
an assistentship or teaching fellowship open in your department
for the coming year. Would you be good enough to let me know
if there is anything further I can do toward filing my application
for such a position?

My full references are on file at the Teachers
College Placement Bureau, Teachers Vollege, Volumbia University.
They will be sent to you upon request.

Sincerely yours,

EUS Cole

Elfrid Ide