Māra Simsone
1954
Choreographer, director of dance groups
Born in Iowa, USA. Started dancing in early childhood. At first studied ballet and jazz dance, but after moving to Milwaukee (1972) she enrolled in the University of Wisconsin and at the same time studied the basics of Latvian folk dance in the Metieniņš (Fling) dance group.
Its leader, Ildze Rudzite, seeing her talent and interest, quickly involved her in the running of the dance group and encouraged her to choreograph her first dances. Becoming involved in Toronto’s Latvian community, Simsone began dancing with the Daugavina and Diždancis (Grand Dance) dance group with Zigurds Miezītis, who forged the young artist’s talent even more.
In 2000, Simsone founded the Dižais Dancis (Grand Dance) dance group, with which she actively participates in exile Latvian song and dance festivals and various events. Has led the Latvian Society Saturday School children’s dance group in Toronto.
In addition to competing in Canadian and American competitions, Simsone’s new dances have also found their way to Latvia. Among her most recognised dances are Iebrauca saulīte (In came the Sun), Māras dziesmas (Māra’s Songs) and Spieķītis (Walking stick), which were performed as part of the Dance Celebration programme in 2013. “I never imagined that there would be a time that I would be in a parade along with several Latvian dance directors and choreographers. At the beginning of the grand major performance I will also be standing to watch my dances at Latvia’s great Song Celebration. It’s a Dream!” (Zommers, Juris. Māra Simsone, director of the Dižais dancis dance group, receives the Bieriņš Foundation Prize. Latviesi.com. 14 May 2014)
A Chief choreographer at the 15th Dance Celebration, creator and Chief choreographer of several Hamilton Song and Dance Festival dance performances, led the new-dance review at the Milwaukee Song and Dance Celebration (1983) and helped organise and direct many other dance performances.
Received the Bieriņš Foundation Award (2014).
