No One Likes a Mad Woman: The 'Big Reputation' of Rebekah Harkness

This paper examines the complex legacy of American socialite Rebekah Harkness (1915-1982), exploring how her reputation was shaped by both public scrutiny and her philanthropic contributions to the arts. While Harkness is often remembered for her scandalous personal life and extravagant behavior, this research argues that her cultural impact, particularly through the establishment of the Harkness Ballet and Harkness House for Ballet Arts, deserves deeper scholarly attention. This study reveals how Harkness navigated high society expectations while pursuing artistic ambitions that, despite her tumultuous personal life and controversial public image, led to significant contributions to American dance culture through her patronage and innovative approach to ballet training.