ballet

Three choreographers who created Latvian stage dance in the second half of the 20th century, which we can no longer experience in this century, only to see in old film footage, pictures, hear in the memories of contemporaries and see in a concert organized by “Dancis”. The idea and management of the concert belongs to the artistic director of “Danča” Rolandas Juraševski.

What were they like – Moss, Zagata, Spura?

Folk dance, with the direct influence of this year’s centenary Harijs Sūnas (1923-1999), from a folk dance that fits well in the square or in the Dance Festival stadium, became a dance art suitable for the stage. Sūnas’s “Dancis” experienced its first recognition on the main stages of the Soviet Empire at the Student Festival in Moscow, where the dance skills of Latvian students were highly appreciated at the international level as well.

Harry Sūna with the leaders of the Dance Festival in 1980. From the right: Zinaida Zeltmate, Uldis Žagata, Ingrīda Saulīte, Harijs Sūna, Inta Dimante, Osvald Strauss. Photo: From the archive

Sūna did not continue his path to fame, his idea of ​​a song and dance ensemble at the state university was not supported by the leadership of the Ministry of Culture of the LPSR, they say, there is already a professional ensemble in the philharmonic… That’s why he went to study choreographic folklore at the Academy of Sciences, thus paving the way for Uldi Žagat (1928-2015) , who went from working as a professional ballet dancer to, as he said at the time, artistic self-employment.

Ballet artist and choreographer Alfred Spura. Photo: Song Festival Repository/LNB

Working with students at the university “Dancī” from Žagata created a professional choreographer, which allowed him to manage the folk ballet troupe of the highest caliber, or the national dance ensemble “Daile”. On the other hand, Žagata’s transfer to “Daila” opened the way for Alfred Spur (1928-2001), who, like Žagata, was a ballet dancer. Spura “Danci” transformed and taught to suggest students that they followed him everywhere and always.

Three words for the joy of dancing

The concert “Three words for the joy of dancing” took place in the National Theater in a full and already sold out hall. Let’s take a look at the concert program. Here are the dances of Ulda Žagata: “I taught you how to dance”, “The earth, the people rode”, “Zemgale”, “I drove all around Riga”, “Where you were, white ones”, “High mountains behind the lake”, “Achikops”, “As in a fairy tale”, “When I wanted, I stalled”, “Dejotpriks”, “Oh, the land of the fathers”.

“Like in a fairy tale”. Choreography by Ulda Žagata, “Dancis” dance. Photo: Jurgis Rikveilis
2023-12-25 22:01:07


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“Currently, we have informed and asked the producer of the event “Kyiv Grand Ballet” ART Partner CZ SRO” to give his comment on the accusations made in the public space,” said Žagar.

He emphasizes that, when renting out the premises, the Daile Theater makes sure, within its limits, whether the lessee is not on the list of sanctions of the European Union, introduced in connection with Russia’s extended war against Ukraine.

Also, Žagar points out – if the content of the program of a cultural event taking place in Latvia is in conflict with ideological settings, including in connection with Russia’s extended war against Ukraine, and measures that have been unambiguously accepted in Latvia after the start of the war, then such an event cannot take place and Daile Theater would consider the possibility of canceling lease agreement.

Žagar added that the contract with the lessee can also be terminated if the Ministry of Culture or law enforcement authorities indicate it.

The “bilesuserviss.lv” website states that the founder and director of “Kyiv Grand Ballet” Aleksandrs Stoyanov has been a soloist of the Ukrainian National Opera, staged performances and organized festivals. Since 2014, his new troupe from Kyiv has been performing for audiences all over the world. Due to the war started by Russia against Ukraine, the ballet troupe was “stuck” in Paris in February 2022, where it was participating in guest performances at the time. The troupe travels around the world collecting donations to support Ukraine.

2023-12-12 05:21:21
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