Born: 1890 (Vienna, Austria)
Died: 1959
Biography:
Gertrud Bodenwieser (3 February 1890 10 November 1959) was a renowned dancer, choreographer, and dance teacher who played a significant role in the development of modern expressive dance. Born in Vienna, Austria, she revolutionized the world of dance with her innovative choreography, captivating performances, and influential teaching methods.
Gertrud was born to Theodore and Maria Bondi, a prosperous Jewish couple who provided her with a privileged upbringing. At a young age, she discovered her passion for dance and began her training under the pseudonym Gertrud Bodenwieser. She studied classical ballet with Carl Godlewski from 1905 to 1910, but soon developed her own unique style that incorporated elements of classical ballet with the expressive movements inspired by Isadora Duncan and Ruth St. Denis.
Bodenwieser quickly gained recognition for her mesmerizing performances. Her dance piece Demon Machine, where a group of dancers transformed into machines, particularly stood out and enthralled audiences. With her innovative choreography and captivating stage presence, she soon became a sensation in Vienna and beyond.
In addition to her career as a performer, Bodenwieser dedicated herself to teaching and sharing her artistic vision. She was appointed a professor of dance at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna and established her own dance studio in the basement of the concert hall. Her students, known as the Tanzgruppe Bodenwieser (Bodenwieser dance group), included future acclaimed dancers such as Vilma Degischer, Trudl Dubsky, Hilde Holger, and Peggy van Praagh.
However, in 1938, with the invasion of Austria by the Nazis, Bodenwieser, who was Jewish, and her dance group were forced to flee Europe. Finding refuge in Colombia, she delighted audiences with her guest performances during the 400th-anniversary celebration of Bogotá. Her talent and artistry were so exceptional that she managed to fill a bullfight arena with enthusiastic spectators.
The dark political climate of the time deeply influenced Bodenwieser’s work. Her 1944 dance piece, The Masks of Lucifer, vividly depicted the horror and oppression of totalitarianism. Through her artistic expression, she became an embodiment of resistance against the ominous forces threatening humanity.
Emigrating once again, Bodenwieser settled in Australia, where she established the Bodenwieser Ballet in Sydney in 1939. The company quickly became known as the first truly influential modern dance company in Australia. Bodenwieser’s teaching methods cultivated some of the most important dancers and artists in the country, including Anita Ardell, Margaret Chapple, and Eileen Kramer.
The Bodenwieser Ballet embarked on numerous tours across urban and rural Australia, as well as overseas. They performed in France, New Zealand, South Africa, and India, captivating international audiences with their expressive and dynamic dances. Bodenwieser’s impact on the Australian dance scene was immeasurable, and her legacy lives on through the numerous students she inspired and nurtured.
Gertrud Bodenwieser’s contribution to the world of dance cannot be overstated. Her innovative choreography, commitment to artistic expression, and dedication to teaching left an indelible mark on the history of modern dance. She was a trailblazer who pushed the boundaries of dance and continues to inspire generations of dancers and choreographers.