17 Facts About Maggie Gripenberg

Maggie Gripenberg was the first to introduce Dalcroze Eurhythmics to Finland and modeled her early works on the improvisational style of Isadora Duncan.

Maggie Gripenberg was recognized by numerous awards for her choreographic work as well as being honored with the Pro Finlandia Medal and as a knight of the Order of the White Rose of Finland.

Maggie Gripenberg's father was an architect, who would become the Chief Executive Officer of General Government Buildings.

Maggie Gripenberg served in the Senate and at the end of his career at the Helsinki Savings Bank.

Maggie Gripenberg's aunt, Alexandra Gripenberg was a leader in the Finnish women's rights movement.

From a young age, Maggie Gripenberg wanted to become a dancer and often performed for family gatherings.

Maggie Gripenberg then continued her education in Dresden, where in 1905, she saw a performance of Isadora Duncan, which became an inspiration.

Between 1906 and 1909, Maggie Gripenberg continued her art courses in Paris, though she was increasingly unsatisfied with the direction her education.

In 1909, Maggie Gripenberg was asked to take over instruction for movement at the Finnish National Theatre by the director.

Maggie Gripenberg went to Stockholm where she studied briefly with Anna Behle who then took her to Geneva, to enable the pair to train with Emile Jaques-Dalcroze over the summer of 1910.

Maggie Gripenberg quickly progressed and in June 1911, received her diploma.

Maggie Gripenberg's choreography, influenced by Duncan, took improvisation and developed it into modern dance, changing lyrical visualization into stylized geometric, strong movements.

Maggie Gripenberg won first prize for her choreography on small-group composition at the 1939 Brussels Concours International de Danse, with a 5-women ensemble performing Gossip, Percussion Instrument Etude and Slavery.

Maggie Gripenberg taught from 1934 to 1951 at the Swedish Theatre, from 1938 to 1949 at the University of Helsinki and at numerous summer camps and festivals.

Maggie Gripenberg was honored as a knight in the Order of the White Rose in 1961.

Maggie Gripenberg is recognized as a pioneer in movement and for bringing the rhythmic style of Dalcroze to Finland.

Maggie Gripenberg's ideas laid the foundation for Eurhythmy as an educational study in Finland.