[Archive]: Manhattan Rockets

Author: (SANDS, Hal)
Title: [Archive]: Manhattan Rockets
Publication: New York: [circa 1950s]

Description: Unbound. A collection of 135 sepia-toned or black and white gelatin silver photographs, most measuring 8" x 10", with 87 negatives and 11 print-related pieces of ephemera pertaining to the Manhattan Rockets Dance Troupe. All items very good or better with some chips, tears and creasing.

An archive of photographs and ephemera compiled by Hal Sands, a producer and director responsible for the Manhattan Rockets Dance Troupe in the 1950s. The collection begins with his business card which reads, “Hal Sands (Producer & Director) Stage shows for leading theatres…outdoor shows, state fairs, etc…night clubs and hotels…television…girl revues…(choreography by Dorothy Conova).” Many of the images show the troupe in various costumes including as space cadets and Native Americans dancing and posing on stage. The Rockets are featured in parades, community events, waving to crowds, and showcasing “fabulous prizes." In a series of images Sands is posed with various sports figures and celebrities of the day including Carmen Miranda, Rosemary Clooney, Bob Hope, and Roy Rogers. One marquee advertising the group reads, “Spectacular Stage Extravaganza – Dozens of Girls – Singers! Dancers! – Hal Sands famed Manhattan Rockets – Gorgeous Girls in Sensational Numbers.” The ephemera includes newspaper clippings, pamphlets, a large brochure from George A. Hamid’s Aqua Circus (produced by Hal Sands), and two letters from fellow promoter Billy Erhardt of the Billy Erhardt Dance Company asking Sands if he’s interested in his “girls” for the Rockets, with a list of their height and noting “these girls are just out of high school.”

A nice collection of 1950s performer photographs documenting this all-female dance group.

Seller ID: 437458