Impekoven, Niddy (1904–2002)

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Impekoven, Niddy (1904–2002)

German dancer. Born Luise Antonie Crescentia Impekoven in Berlin, Germany, Nov 2, 1904; died Nov 20, 2002; dau. of Toni Impekoven (actor and playwright) and Frida (Kobler) Impekoven; studied with Heinrich Kröller; children: one daughter.

German dancer of Weimar epoch, famed in her day, who combined several styles to become one of the most renowned artists on the periphery of expressionist dance; made stage debut in Berlin at 10 at charity performance (1910); moved to Munich (1917), where she studied classical gymnastics at Bieberstein Castle School; presented 1st solo program at Berlin's Theater unter den Linden (1918); was one of the most creative as well as popular dancers in German-speaking Central Europe (1920s), at home on stages of Berlin, Munich, Vienna and Prague; became international celebrity, performing in Far East, France and UK; praised for her interpretation of 2nd movement of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata"; with rise of Nazism, gave farewell appearances in Germany (1933–34).

See also Women in World History.

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