so there were lots of men who came to study because they could do so
said Bailin.
Editor's Note: Today is the third in a three-part series profiling female firsts in OU's history as part of Women's History Month.
When Gladys Bailin first began studying dance in 1948, most of the students were male.
The G.I. Bill was in operation at this time so there were lots of men who came to study because they could do so
said Bailin.
Bailin's love of dancing took her to Ohio University, where she was named the University's first female distinguished professor in 1986 - and she is currently the only female distinguished professor at OU.
Bailin was born and raised in New York City. She attended Hunter College to study liberal arts, not dance. At the time, Bailin met Alwin Nikolais and began dancing with his company. She toured with the company overseas until her son was born in 1963.
It was hard to give my whole life to the company at that point
Bailin said. I did some performing with them when it was in the city
but I didn't tour anymore.
In 1966, Bailin was invited to teach at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, and in the early '70s, she and her husband decided to leave New York City. Bailin took a job teaching dance at OU, where she said she was able to do things that weren't possible in New York City, like own a house.
The drug culture had really come alive during the Vietnam War
Bailin said. All these guys came back who were addicted in many ways. That's when the city changed
I mean
there were never bars on the windows before that. I just felt it was a violation of my life because I didn't feel safe any longer.
Gladys taught until becoming the director of the School of Dance. In 1986, Bailin was named a distinguished professor.
I was very thrilled and excited and really surprised because until then it had been sort of a men's club
Bailin said, adding that Ursula Belden had received the honor after she did, but Belden passed away last year. Right now
I'm still the only one.
Bailin has retired but still lives in Athens and teaches dance every Winter Quarter. She has a reputation of being a demanding but fair instructor.
She doesn't mince any words... (but) it's never a personal issue
