Gerda Karstens

Gerda Elisabeth Karstens (9 July 1903 – 13 June 1988) was a Danish ballet dancer with the Royal Danish Theatre where she became a soloist in 1942. She is remembered in particular for her interpretations of Madge in Bournonville's La Sylphide and the headmistress in David Lichine's Graduation Ball. She performed these two roles during her retirement evening in 1956, after which she spent several years teaching mime.

Biography Born in Copenhagen on 9 July 1903, Gerda Elisabeth Karstens was the daughter of the manufacturer Johan Emil Karstens (died 1958) and Kirsti Eleonora Thovaldine Andersen (died 1957). She married the ballet dancer Svend Karlo Karlog (1900–1972).

Gerda Karstens died in Copenhagen on 13 June 1988.

Awards and honours In 1951, she was honoured with the Ingenio et arti medal.