Eileen Kramer, the legendary dancer, choreographer, artist, and writer, has taken her final bow at the age of 110. She passed away peacefully at Lulworth House in Elizabeth Bay, Sydney, where she had lived for the past seven years.
Eileen’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the world of modern dance. She was the last surviving dancer of the Bodenwieser Ballet era, Australia’s first modern dance company, and most likely the world’s longest-living professional dancer.
Her creative spirit, boundless energy, and ability to inspire across generations made her a trailblazer who will be deeply missed.
“Eileen has taken her final bow and is off on her next adventure. She left the planet today to catch a star. So, look at the sky tonight, raise a glass, and cheer her on,” shared those closest to her.
A Life Lived in Motion
Born in Sydney in 1914, Eileen joined the Bodenwieser Ballet in the 1940s, embarking on a life dedicated to movement and expression. She toured nationally and internationally, performing in Europe and America, where she also pursued other creative ventures including mural painting, filmmaking, and modelling.
Eileen’s career took her around the globe for over 60 years, but she returned to Australia in 2013 at the age of 99, citing a longing for kookaburras and the smell of gum trees. Her return was far from a quiet retirement – she continued to create and perform, choreographing stage dramas, appearing in music videos, and starring in the Foxtel series The End in 2020.
Movement as a Philosophy
For Eileen, movement was not just a career but a philosophy of life. At 108, she was still an advocate for daily movement, encouraging people of all ages, especially older adults, to remain active.
“Movement is vitally important to everybody, but it’s true that older people should try to move all their lives,” she said. “Breathing encourages you to lift your arms and use your imagination – when you lift your arms you can pretend you’re touching space or leaning over the side of a boat and putting your hand in the water.”
Eileen’s creative exercises were a celebration of life, focusing on expression and imagination. Her graceful approach to ageing was a testament to her belief in living in the moment and constantly seeking new experiences.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Eileen’s life was a triumph of resilience and creativity, breaking down barriers and defying ageism. She published her first memoir, Walkabout Dancer, in 2008 and continued writing books and fantasy stories into her later years. She remained a vocal advocate for rejecting limitations, famously advising, “Stop saying, ‘I can’t do this now because I’m older or I have a grandchild’ – forget it! I don’t think about age and it doesn’t stop me from creating a dance.”
Her wisdom, passion, and unrelenting drive to create touched the lives of many, from fellow artists to audiences and admirers across the globe.
A Final Bow
As we bid farewell to Eileen, we honour her incredible legacy. She exemplified what it means to live fully, inspiring us to move with purpose, embrace creativity, and live in the present.
To the care team at Lulworth House, Elizabeth Bay, her family, and friends, we extend our deepest gratitude for supporting Eileen in her final years.
Look to the stars tonight, and remember Eileen Kramer, a woman who danced her way through life with grace, passion, and an unyielding spirit.
