Carl Godlewski

Carl Borromäus Godlewski (20 November 1862 in Dortmund – 6 December 1949 in Mödling) was a circus clown, acrobat, ballet master, dance teacher and choreographer.

After the death of his father Godlewski decided to adopt a circus commitment in order to receive a monthly salary of 50 rubles.

Godlewski choreographed numerous ballets at the Vienna Opera, among others, including the world premiere of Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s first work, the pantomime The Snowman (1910).

He also designed large revues for the general public, such as the trip Around the world in 80 days (1905) in Vienna's Olympic Arena, which was over 4000 moorings and one of the largest theatres in Europe.

Carl Godlewski married dancer Maria Ludmilla Klahs (1868-1934), with whom he celebrated their silver wedding anniversary in 1914 on his country estate in Tulln an der Donau.

Carl Godlewski as a Clown, 1887, drawn by C.W.Allers
Carl Godlewski 1887, dance rehearsal in Circus Renz , drawn by C.W.Allers