Hedda Hjortsberg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hedda Hjortsberg
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| Born |
Hedvig Katarina Hjortsberg
15 June 1777 Stockholm, Sweden
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| Died | 3 October 1867 Västerås, Sweden
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| Other names | Hedda Koersner |
| Spouse(s) | Erik Samuel Koersner, Abraham Abrahamsson Hülphers |
Hedvig "Hedda" Katarina Hjortsberg (born June 15, 1777 – died October 3, 1867) was a very famous Swedish ballerina. She was also known as Hedda Koersner. Hedda was a star for the Royal Swedish Ballet. Her brother, Lars Hjortsberg, was also a well-known Swedish actor.
Life of a Ballerina
Hedda Hjortsberg was one of six children. Her father, Laurentius "Lars" Hjortsberg, was a stone mason. Her mother, Maria Lovisa Schützer, was an opera singer. Many of their children worked in the theater. Four of them worked at the Royal Swedish Opera or the Royal Dramatic Theatre. Hedda and her brother Lars became especially famous. Lars was a great actor, and Hedda became a top ballerina.
Starting Her Dance Career
Hedda Hjortsberg began her ballet training early. In 1786, when she was just nine years old, she joined the Royal Swedish Ballet. She was a student of the French ballet master Louis Gallodier.
She made her first official performance at the Royal Swedish Opera in 1790. She danced the part of Lucile in a pantomime ballet called Det dubbla giftermålet.
Becoming a Star Dancer
From 1791 to 1806, Hedda was a main ballerina in the Royal Swedish Ballet. People called her "The most excellent dancer of the Swedish stage." A writer named Marianne Ehrenström said Hedda was the audience's favorite. She described Hedda as graceful and beautiful, like a nymph.
In 1804, Hedda married a businessman named Erik Samuel Koersner. Sadly, he passed away soon after. In 1806, the Royal Swedish Opera closed for three years. When it reopened in 1809, Hedda performed again. She even danced with her five-year-old daughter in a ballet called Dansvurmen.
In 1811, Hedda married Abraham Abrahamsson Hülphers. After this, she mostly performed as a special guest dancer.
Famous Ballet Roles
Hedda Hjortsberg danced many important parts. She played Lucile in Det dubbla giftermålet. She also performed as Leonore in Enleveringen and Diana in Diana och Kärleken. Another big role was Venus in Venus och Adonis. She also played Frosine in Dansvurmen (Dance Craze).
