The MAK will also join the celebrations for the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss, but in an unexpected way.

The beginnings of expressionist dance were linked to the Viennese waltz, as this poster exhibition attests. It illustrates how the heyday of this form of artistic dance, which was heavily inspired by Strauss’ music, was lived and experienced in Vienna between 1900 and 1930. Afterall, expressionist dance, which deviated from the predefined movements of the Viennese waltz, focused on individual forms of rhythm, gesture, and emotion. Dancers like Anny Day-Helveg, Maria Ley, and Gertrude Barrison interpreted the dance by reflecting their inner selves through movement. Grete Wiesenthal–an active ambassador of the Viennese waltz–revitalized mode dance through her interpretation. The MAK Poster Forum will present around 50 posters that advertised the sensational performances of these dancers.

CURATOR:
Peter Klinger, Deputy Head, MAK Library and Works on Paper Collection