Born: 1896 (Berlin, Germany)
Died: 1990 (Hannover, Germany)
Biography:
Hertha Feist (1896–1990) was a German expressionist dancer and choreographer known for her groundbreaking work in the world of dance. Born in Berlin, Feist began her dance education in 1914, studying with Émile Jaques-Dalcroze in Hellerau, Dresden. She then returned to Berlin in 1917 to further her training under the tutelage of Olga Desmond. It was during this time that Feist joined Rudolf von Laban, a renowned dancer and choreographer, and traveled with him to various locations in northern Germany, participating in his grand Tanzbühne productions.
In 1923, Feist established her own school in Berlin, combining gymnastics with nudism and dance, a unique approach that set her apart from her contemporaries. Her school quickly gained popularity, and she also began teaching at Carl Diem’s sports academy, where she successfully integrated gymnastics and dance into her classes.
Feist continued to dance in Laban’s productions, and she gained recognition for her brilliant portrayal of Donna Elvira in his production of Don Juan in 1926. Her freestyle movements and innovative techniques were captured in photographs taken at the Berlin Stadium, showcasing her groundbreaking approach to dance.
In 1927, Feist had the opportunity to showcase her talent in the only film made by the American artist Stella Simon, titled Hands: The Life and Love of a Gentle Sex. In this avant-garde film, Feist and other dancers used only their hands and forearms to tell an intricate eternal triangle story. The film was accompanied by a score composed by Marc Blitzstein.
Feist’s talent and creativity continued to impress audiences, and in 1928, she embarked on a tour with the Novembergruppe, presenting her own production called Der Berufung in Germany, Poland, Switzerland, and England. This tour further solidified her reputation as a pioneering force in the dance world.
However, Feist’s ambitions were soon curtailed by the rise of the Nazis in the 1930s. Her school was forcibly closed, and she was forced to downsize her operations and move to smaller quarters. Despite these challenges, Feist was able to maintain a dedicated following of students who admired her unique approach to dance.
After the end of World War II, Feist found new opportunities to share her knowledge and passion for dance. She taught at the Volkshochschule Hannover from 1952 to 1965, leaving a lasting impact on her students and the dance community. Her final dance performance took place in 1965 for the inauguration of the Golden Rosenkreuz Temple in Bad Münder, where she resided at the time.
In 1983, Feist returned to Hannover, where she lived until her death on July 9, 1990. Throughout her career, Hertha Feist pushed the boundaries of dance and left an indelible mark on the history of the art form. Her innovative techniques and dedication to combining gymnastics, nudism, and dance helped shape the development of modern dance in Germany.