Omiš, Croatia
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Herci Marsden (Ivanka Munitić) - Balerina (Ballet Dancer)
Povijesna Osoba (Historical Figure)
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Artistic Director, Choreographer, Teacher
Born in Omiš,
Croatia as Ivanka Silvija Munitić. Herci
(Ivanka) Munitić was five when she
began dancing with the Children's Theatre of Split, Croatia. She made her debut
at thirteen with the National Theatre in Split. Throughout her years of
training, she has had such notable teachers as Katic, Roje, Harmos, and
Slavenska. In 1958, she emigrated to the United States and settled in Lincoln
Rhode Island where she co-founded the Brae Crest School of Ballet with her then
husband Myles Marsden. As prima ballerina, she made her American debut in 1960
with The State Ballet of Rhode Island - the repertory company she was
instrumental in establishing. Best known as a dancer, the leading roles for
which she is most celebrated are Giselle and Swanhilda (Coppelia). Among some of
her other memorable roles are Juliet, Ivana and Snake (Stranac), Taglioni (Pas
de Quatre), Baba Jaga (Pictures at an Exhibition), Princess Aurora (Sleeping
Beauty), Cinderella, Ophelia (Hamlet), and the Dragon Fly (Dragon Fly/Pavlova).
In 1966, Herci introduced classical ballet in the Department of Physical
Education at the University of Rhode Island. URI was the first university in
Rhode Island to offer ballet as a credited course.In the spring of 1990, she was
commissioned to choreograph the world premier fairy tale ballet-Phantomgreen
written and composed by Margaret Buechner.
Ms. Marsden continues as Director and classical ballet instructor at her school
in Lincoln, as well as Artistic Director/Choreographer for
The
State Ballet of Rhode Island. She teaches Master Classes at many dance
schools in the area. Ms. Marsden lives in Lincoln with her husband, John
Radovnik, and her son, Dujko Radovniković.
Her daughter Ana Marsden Fox teaches and dances at The State Ballet of Rhode
Island, in addition to working as the General Manager and the Assistant to the
Director. Her son Mark Marsden often performs with the state ballet.
Source:
- Photograph: Official WEB page of The State Ballet of Rhode Island
- Text: www.ridance.com
- Additional information: Herci Marsden
