This series represents a collection of dance scores and choreographic materials compiled throughout Ruth’s career. Some are for single events while others show the growth and evolution of pieces as they are adapted over the years for different venues, groups or types of dances, and to the audiences for which they are performed.

This series consists of prints (some mounted), negatives and slides - both professional and amateur shots - of various performances and rehearsals. Some artistic photo shoots are also included. In many instances exact dates are not known but a general guess by the donor is provided.

This series consists of promotional materials (flyers, posters, mailings, and some newspaper clippings) and programs of Ruth’s performances over the years. It is possible not only to trace the genesis and evolution of certain pieces, but the breadth of detail in the records serves to contextualize Ruth’s path geographically, stylistically, and professionally among her peers. Beginning with her initial performances with The Dancemakers to her work with the Judson Dance Theatre, her training abroad and graduate studies, her career in dance education and through to her efforts to coordinate community engagement in dance, it is possible to view Ruth’s career through these materials based on the depth of her participation and involvement. In some cases there are multiple copies of the same item.

The majority of this series is comprised of newspaper and magazine articles containing reviews of performances which Ruth participated in and, later, produced. Publications include: the “Boston Herald”, “Lexington Minute-Man”, “Wellesley Townsman”, “Boston Globe”, “Cambridge Chronical”, “Dance Observer”, “Village Voice”, “The New York Times”, “Show Business”, “New York Herald Tribune”, “Dance Magazine”, “Christian Science Monitor”, “Champaign-Urbana Courier”, “Daily Illini”, Seattle Times”, “Seattle Post-Intelligencer”, “Champaign-Urbana News Gazette”, “The Peak”, “Georgia Straight”, “Contact Quarterly”, “Radcliffe News”, and the “Vancouver Sun”.

This series consists of biographical information for Ruth Emerson Wortis compiled by the donor. This includes: a copy of the obituary written by Michael Wortis including photocopies of images used, a resume, and a comprehensive list of performances, dances choreographed by Ruth, publications and reviews.

This series is comprised of two 3-disc collections titled "Ruth Emerson: Her Vancouver & SFU Years". They were produced by the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University and contain several recorded performances and interviews conducted over a 9 year period.

This series consists primarily of Ruth’s correspondence regarding certain dance pieces, her personal notes and writings, or articles she authored for publication.