Holm, Hanya (1893-1992), was a dancer, choreographer (creator of dances), and dance teacher. She became best known for her choreography in Kiss Me, Kate (1948); The Golden Apple (1954); My Fair Lady (1956); and other Broadway musicals. Her choreography was praised for the way it fit with the dramatic action of the plays. Holm also choreographed Trend (1937) and Tragic Exodus (1939) for the modern dance concert stage, and dances for operas, films, and television.
Hanya Holm was born on March 3, 1893, in Worms, Germany. Her real name was Johanna Eckert. She was an original member of the dance group formed by Mary Wigman, a leader of modern dance in Germany. Holm moved to New York City in 1931 to found a branch of the Wigman school. She opened a school under her own name in 1936. She died on Nov. 3, 1992.
