Anna Wyman

Born in Austria as Anna Fladnitzer, Anna Wyman began her dance career with the Opera House in Graz, Austria, and danced briefly with the Hansi Schönemann Company before moving to London, England, in 1947. While in England, Wyman studied the technique and theories of Rudolf von Laban. These studies served as the foundation for her own practice as a teacher and choreographer.

Wyman immigrated to Canada in 1968 and settled in Vancouver. That year, she opened the Anna Wyman Studio of Dance Arts and her company, The Anna Wyman Dance Theatre, was formally created in 1973.

During its existence, her company toured the world to great acclaim. In 1973, they performed at the International Young Choreographers Competition in Cologne, Germany. Wyman’s choreographic work, Here at the Eye of the Hurricane (1972) was honoured as one of the three best works. Wyman’s artistic sensibility informed every aspect of her theatrical presentations, from the powerful images in her choreography to the harmony of the design elements.

In 1991, Wyman’s company disbanded, although Wyman continued to administer and teach at the Anna Wyman School of Dance Arts. Wyman’s contributions to dance in Canada have been recognized by her peers. In 1988, she was inducted into the British Columbia Entertainment Hall of Fame. In 2000, the West Vancouver Community Arts Council gave Wyman a Millennium Award for community service.

Anna Wyman passed away on July 11, 2020.