Martin Schlapfer German choreographer-parodist Country: Germany

1. Biography of Martin Schläpfer
2. Early Training and Career
3. International Career
4. Recognition and Awards

Biography of Martin Schläpfer

Martin Schläpfer is a German choreographer and parodist. He was born in Altenstetten, Switzerland.

Early Training and Career

Schläpfer initially studied dance with Marianne Fuchs in St. Gallen, Switzerland. In 1977, he won the Swiss Prize at the Prix de Lausanne competition and continued his training at the Royal Ballet School in London under the guidance of Terry Westmoreland and Marion Lane.

In 1978, Schläpfer was accepted into the Basel Ballet under the direction of Heinz Spoerli. Many of Spoerli's works were specially reworked for Schläpfer, who quickly became one of the principal dancers of the company. His technical prowess and artistic presence were greatly influenced by his teacher Peter Appel.

International Career

In 1983, Schläpfer joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in Canada as a soloist. After a year, he returned to Basel. He further studied under Annie Ulams, Gelsey Kirkland, and David Howard. In 1980, he founded and became the director of the Dance Place ballet school in Basel.

From 1994 to 1999, Schläpfer served as the artistic director and chief choreographer of the Ballet Bern in Switzerland. Since 1999, he has been the artistic director and chief choreographer of the Ballett Mainz in Germany, which has gained an excellent international reputation and is considered one of the most significant ballet companies in Germany.

Recognition and Awards

Martin Schläpfer has received recognition and high praise from the international dance community. In 2002, he was awarded the German Art Prize. He was also the first recipient of the Heinz Spoerli Foundation Prize in 2003.