Katharina Lanner Austrian choreographer and ballerina. Date of Birth: 14.09.1829 Country: Austria

1. The Life of Katharina Lanner
2. Roles and Recognition
3. Career Abroad
4. Global Tours and Triumphs
5. Artistic Legacy in London
6. Personal Life and Retirement

The Life of Katharina Lanner

Born into the world of music as the daughter of the renowned Austrian composer Joseph Lanner, Katharina Lanner was destined for a life on stage. She honed her skills at the prestigious Vienna State Opera School and made her debut in Antonio Guerra's "Angelica" at the Theater am Kärntnertor in 1845.

Roles and Recognition

Katharina Lanner quickly rose to prominence with her breathtaking portrayal of Fenella in Daniel François Esprit Auber's "Die Stumme von Portici." She further captivated audiences with her performances as Myrtha in Adolphe Adan's "Giselle" (1852), a role in Paul Taglioni's "Die verwandelten Weiber" (1853), and Antoine Bournonville's "Toreador" (1854).

Career Abroad

The untimely passing of her mother in 1855 prompted Katharina Lanner to leave Vienna. She found success in other artistic capitals, such as Dresden and Hamburg, where she showcased her talents as both a ballerina and choreographer. In Hamburg, she staged approximately ten ballets, including "Uriella, the Demon of the Night" (1862) and "The Rose of Seville" (1862).

Global Tours and Triumphs

Lanner embarked on extensive tours throughout Russia, Scandinavia, Portugal, and the United States. Her performances left an unforgettable mark on audiences worldwide. In 1872, she ventured to New York, and three years later, she settled in London. From there, she continued to tour extensively in Europe and America.

Artistic Legacy in London

Katharina Lanner's influence reached its peak in London, where she became ballet mistress of the prestigious Theatre Royal Drury Lane. She was instrumental in staging countless ballets, transforming the city into a global epicenter for the art form. Under her guidance, Danish ballerina Adeline Genée ascended to stardom.

Personal Life and Retirement

In 1868, Katharina Lanner married dance teacher Johann Baptist Alfred Karl Viktor Heraldini, but their marriage later ended. She had three daughters: Katharina, Albertine, and Sophie, who went on to become a renowned harpist. In 1897, Lanner retired from the stage, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and artistic excellence that continues to inspire generations of dancers and audiences alike.