Choreographer – Like Her

Lydia Chagoll

Lydia Chagoll (1931-2020) was a Dutch-born dancer, choreographer, film director, screenwriter, writer, and actress. Her experiences during World War II, including being held in Japanese Internment Camps in Indonesia, shaped her worldview and fueled her commitment to shedding light on injustice. Chagoll’s impactful work in film, such as “In the Name of the Führer” and “Voor de glimlach van een kind,” brought attention to important social issues and led to the founding of organizations dedicated to protecting vulnerable children. Her contributions to the arts and social activism have left a lasting impact on Dutch and Belgian society.

ChinaActorChoreographer

Jin Xing

Jin Xing, born in 1967 in Shenyang, China, is a remarkable Chinese ballerina, modern dancer, choreographer, actress, and the founder and artistic director of the contemporary dance company Shanghai. She is widely celebrated as a transgender celebrity whose contributions to the world of dance and her advocacy for gender equality have made her an influential figure in society.

IndonesiaChoreographerDancer

Gusmiati Suid

Gusmiati Suid (1942–2001) was an Indonesian dancer and choreographer known for her expertise in traditional Sumatran, Malay, and Minang dances. She began her dance journey at a young age, learning martial arts and Melayu dances. Gusmiati’s passion for dance led her to further education and the founding of the Gumarang Sakti Dance Company. Her legacy as a pioneer and influential figure in Indonesian dance continues to inspire and impact the world of performing arts.

IranChoreographerDancer

Farzaneh Kaboli

Farzaneh Kaboli is an Iranian dancer, choreographer, and actress. She was born and raised in Tehran and developed a passion for dance at a young age. Despite the ban on dancing in Iran after the revolution, Kaboli continued to teach and perform underground. She later made a triumphant return to the stage and established her own dance company. Kaboli has also made a mark as an actress, showcasing her talent and versatility in various productions.

IsraelChoreographerDancer

Rina Schenfeld

Rina Schenfeld is an Israeli choreographer and dancer who has made significant contributions to the field of dance. Her innovative use of physical objects in her performances and her mentorship of future generations have solidified her place as a trailblazer in the world of dance. Through her choreographic brilliance and dedication to her craft, Schenfeld continues to inspire generations of dancers and artists alike.

CanadaChoreographerFigure Skater

Sandra Bezic

Sandra Bezic, born in 1956 in Toronto, Ontario, is a prominent figure in the world of figure skating. Her contributions as a Canadian pair skater, choreographer, and television commentator have made a significant impact on the sport. From dominating the Canadian Figure Skating Championships with her brother Val Bezic to choreographing for Olympic champions, Sandra’s talent and dedication have left a lasting impact on the sport.

CanadaChoreographerFigure Skater

Sarah Kawahara

Sarah Kawahara is a Canadian figure skater and choreographer who has left an indelible mark on the world of figure skating. Born on September 15, 1961, in Vancouver, Canada, Kawahara’s heritage traced back to Japan. From an early age, she displayed a passion for figure skating, setting the stage for a remarkable career.

EgyptActorChoreographer

Nelly Mazloum

Nelly Mazloum, an Egyptian actress, choreographer, dancer, and teacher, overcame childhood paralysis to become a prominent figure in the world of dance. Her exceptional talent and dedication led her to become the prima ballerina of the Royal Opera House in Cairo and transform Egypt’s traditional dances into a dramatized artistic form. Mazloum’s legacy continues to inspire dancers and celebrate Egyptian and Oriental dance.

IndiaChoreographerDancer

Savitha Sastry

Savitha Sastry is a renowned Indian dancer and choreographer known for her innovative approach to Bharatanatyam. With her theme-based productions and captivating storytelling, she has redefined the boundaries of this traditional art form. Sastry’s work has not only earned critical acclaim but also inspired a new generation of artists to explore new avenues in dance.

HungaryChoreographerDancer

Valéria Dienes

Valéria Dienes (25 May 1879 – 8 June 1978) was a Hungarian philosopher, dancer, dance instructor, choreographer, and one of the first Hungarian women to graduate from university. She is widely considered to be one of the most important Hungarian theorists on movement. Valéria’s innovative approach to teaching eurythmics and her contributions to the field of movement theory left a lasting impact on Hungary. She received the Baumgarten Prize in 1934 for her significant contributions and innovative teaching methods in eurythmics.

GermanyChoreographerDancer

Hertha Feist

Hertha Feist was a German expressionist dancer and choreographer known for her groundbreaking work in the world of dance. She established her own school in Berlin, combining gymnastics with nudism and dance, and gained recognition for her freestyle movements and innovative techniques. Despite the challenges she faced during the rise of the Nazis in the 1930s, Feist maintained a dedicated following of students and continued to leave an indelible mark on the history of modern dance in Germany.

GermanyChoreographerDancer

Mary Wigman

Mary Wigman, the German dancer and choreographer, revolutionized the world of dance with her expressionist style and emphasis on personal physical expression. Her innovative approach and exploration of the human body’s expressive potential paved the way for modern dance. Wigman’s impact on the art form continues to be felt today, as she brought profound existential experiences to the stage.

IrelandBalletChoreographer

Ninette de Valois

Dame Ninette de Valois was a remarkable Irish-born British dancer, teacher, choreographer, and director of classical ballet. Her contributions to the world of ballet extended far beyond the stage, as she founded the Royal Ballet School and the touring company that became the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Today, she is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of ballet and is often referred to as the “godmother” of English and Irish ballet.

FranceChoreographerDancer

Bintou Dembélé

Bintou Dembélé, a pioneering figure of Hip hop dance in France, was born on March 30, 1975, in the suburbs of Paris. Raised in a family that had migrated from Sub-Saharan Africa, Bintou developed a passion for dance at a young age. She gained inspiration from the show H.I.P. H.O.P. and went on to become a prominent dancer and choreographer, pushing boundaries with her unique artistic vision.

FranceChoreographerDancer

Jeanne Chasles

Jeanne Chasles, a French dancer and choreographer, was a prominent figure in the world of dance during the Belle Époque period. Known for her talent and versatility, Chasles performed in various theaters and collaborated with renowned dancers. She also held important administrative positions, became a respected choreographer, and dedicated her life to preserving the history of dance. Her contributions were recognized with honors, and her legacy continues to inspire dancers and choreographers today.

FinlandChoreographerDancer

Maggie Gripenberg

Margarita Maria “Maggie” Gripenberg was a pioneer of modern dance in Finland. She introduced Dalcroze Eurhythmics to the country and modeled her early works after Isadora Duncan’s improvisational style. Gripenberg’s innovative approach to dance and her commitment to education left a lasting impact on the world of dance, making her a trailblazer in women’s history.

AustriaBalletChoreographer

Katti Lanner

Katti Lanner, a renowned Viennese ballet dancer, choreographer, and ballet mistress, captivated audiences with her performances in Germany and England. Born into a musical and artistic family, Katti began her dance training at a young age. Throughout her career, she shared the stage with renowned ballet dancers and choreographed her own works. Known for her talent, technique, and innovative spirit, Katti left a lasting impact on the world of ballet. Although no official awards or recognitions have been documented, she is remembered as one of the most celebrated ballet dancers and choreographers of her time.

AustriaChoreographerDancer

Gertrud Bodenwieser

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.

AustraliaBalletChoreographer

Hélène Kirsova

Hélène Kirsova was a Danish prima ballerina known for founding the first professional ballet company in Australia. She trained in Paris with former dancers from Sergei Diaghilev’s ballet and went on to have a successful career with various ballet companies in Europe and North America. In Australia, she established the Kirsova Ballet and made significant contributions to the development of ballet in the country. Kirsova is often regarded as the “Godmother” of Australian ballet.

United KingdomBalletChoreographer

Alicia Markova

Dame Alicia Markova DBE (1 December 1910 2 December 2004) was a British ballerina and a choreographer, director, and teacher of classical ballet. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest dancers of the 20th century and made significant contributions to the world of ballet.

IndiaChoreographerDancer

Rukmini Devi Arundale

Rukmini Devi Arundale, born into a Brahmin family in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, on February 29, 1904, revived and popularized the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam and made significant contributions to Indian arts, culture, and society. She founded the Kalakshetra Foundation, a renowned institution worldwide, and worked tirelessly to remove the stigma associated with Bharatanatyam, making it one of the most revered classical dance forms of India. Her vision and dedication have left an indelible mark on Indian classical dance for generations to come.

IndiaChoreographerDancer

Zohra Sehgal

Zohra Sehgal, an Indian actress, dancer, and choreographer, made a significant impact on the Indian film industry. Despite losing vision in her left eye, she pursued her passion for acting and became one of the most celebrated actresses of her time. Sehgal’s talent and versatility allowed her to portray diverse characters, earning her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. She also made notable contributions to Indian theatre and received numerous prestigious awards for her exceptional talent and contributions to Indian art and culture.

Trinidad and TobagoUnited StatesAfrican American

Pearl Primus

Pearl Eileen Primus (November 29, 1919 – October 29, 1994) was an American dancer, choreographer, and anthropologist. Primus played a pivotal role in the presentation of African dance to American audiences, promoting it as a valuable art form worthy of study and performance. Her work was a response to prevailing myths of savagery and the limited understanding of African culture prevalent at the time. Primus sought to enlighten the Western world about African dance, showcasing its significance and the dignified expression it represented.

Great BritainChoreographerDancer

Gillian Lynne

Gillian Lynne, a prominent English ballerina, dancer, and choreographer, was known for her iconic theatre choreography in Cats and The Phantom of the Opera. Her remarkable career began at a young age and she made significant contributions to the world of dance and theatre. Lynne’s talent and innovative choreography solidified her status as one of the most influential figures in the performing arts industry. She was honored with the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2014 and left a lasting legacy upon her passing in 2018.

RussiaActorBallet

Maya Plisetskaya

Maya Plisetskaya was a renowned Soviet and Russian ballet dancer, choreographer, ballet director, and actress. Despite facing tragedy and political repression in her early years, she became one of the most celebrated ballerinas of the 20th century. Plisetskaya captivated audiences around the world with her talent and artistry, pushing the boundaries of traditional ballet and leaving an immeasurable impact on the art form.

RussiaBalletChoreographer

Sofia Golovkina

Sofia Nikolayevna Golovkina, also known as Sophia Golovkina, was a notable ballet dancer, choreographer, and teacher from Soviet Russia. Golovkina embarked on a remarkable journey that would leave an indelible mark on the world of ballet. Her talent and dedication propelled her to become the principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet, a position she held until 1959. Golovkina’s contributions to the world of ballet were recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious title of People’s Artist of the USSR in 1973. She passed away in 2004, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire dancers and audiences alike.

SpainArtistChoreographer

María Pagés

María Pagés, born in 1963 in Seville, Spain, is an internationally acclaimed modern Spanish dancer and choreographer. With her innovative approach to flamenco, she has revolutionized the perception of this art form, establishing herself as a leading figure in the world of modern flamenco. From her early career with the Antonio Gades Company to her own successful dance company in Madrid, Pagés has consistently pushed boundaries and captivated audiences worldwide. Her contributions to film, including Carmen and Flamenco, have brought flamenco to a wider audience. Pagés’s talent and creativity have been recognized with numerous awards, solidifying her place as one of the most influential figures in the world of flamenco.

CanadaLatviaChoreographer

Ludmilla Chiriaeff

Ludmilla Chiriaeff was a Latvian-Canadian ballet dancer, choreographer, teacher, and company director. She overcame the challenges of World War II and refugee status to become a prominent figure in the world of ballet. Her innovative choreographies and dedication to nurturing young talent have left a lasting impact on the development of ballet in Canada. Ludmilla’s contributions to women’s history in the arts are undeniable.

DenmarkBalletChoreographer

Emilie Walbom

Emilie Walbom, a Danish ballet dancer and choreographer, had an illustrious career with the Royal Danish Ballet. Despite not fitting the physical standards of a prima ballerina, Walbom’s talent as an actress and mime artist was widely recognized. She became the first female choreographer of the ballet company and made significant contributions, including her masterpiece “Drømmebilleder.” Additionally, Walbom’s legacy lives on through her mentorship of future generations of dancers.

TaiwanUnited StatesAsian American

Fang-Yi Sheu

Fang-Yi Sheu (born 1971) is a Taiwanese-American dancer and choreographer. She has made significant contributions to the world of dance, both as a performer and as a creator.

TaiwanUnited StatesAsian American

PeiJu Chien-Pott

PeiJu Chien-Pott, a Taiwanese-American dance artist, has become one of the greatest modern dancers of her generation. Through her exceptional talent and dedication, she has made a significant impact in the world of dance. As a principal dancer in the Martha Graham Dance Company, Chien-Pott has interpreted iconic roles in Graham’s repertoire, captivating audiences with her dramatic prowess and physical versatility. Her contributions to the art form have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Bessie Award. Chien-Pott’s passion for dance extends beyond performing, as she also takes on the roles of choreographer, director, educator, and founder of PJ Performing Arts in Taiwan. Through her work, she continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of dancers.

AustraliaChoreographerDancer

Margaret Scott

Dame Catherine Margaret Mary Scott, a pioneering ballet dancer, teacher, and choreographer, played a significant role in establishing Australia’s ballet tradition. As the first director of the Australian Ballet School, she shaped the institution into a world-class training ground for dancers. Her dedication and passion for ballet continue to inspire future generations.

BrazilChoreographerDancer

Sonia Destri Lie

Sonia Destri Lie, founder of Companhia Urbana de Dança, has made significant contributions to the world of hip-hop dance. Her unique style and powerful performances have gained international recognition. Sonia’s passion for dance led her to pursue formal training in jazz and modern dance. She established the dance company to bridge the gap between marginalized communities and professional dance, empowering dancers from poorer suburbs and favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Companhia Urbana de Dança has become a symbol of hope and empowerment for marginalized communities.

BrazilBalletChoreographer

Mercedes Baptista

Mercedes Baptista, a prominent Brazilian ballet dancer and choreographer, shattered barriers and left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Brazil. Despite facing discrimination, she became the first black woman to join the ballet corps of Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro and went on to create the Afro-Brazilian ballet, showcasing the influence of African culture on Brazilian dance. Her determination and resilience continue to inspire and empower artists today.

AlgeriaFranceBallet

Mariquita

Mariquita, also known as Madame Mariquita, was an Algerian-born dancer who became a successful choreographer and ballet mistress in Paris from the 1870s to 1920. She modernized French ballet, creating nearly 300 ballets in her career. Although not well-documented, her contemporaries considered her one of the best choreographers of her time.