Helēna Tangijeva-Birzniece
1928–1965
Ballet dancer, choreographer, ballet master, educator
One of the most outstanding personalities in the history of Latvian ballet.
Born 13 April 1928 in Pavlovsk, Russia. She began learning the fundamentals of dance at the age of eight, entering the Chekrigin Ballet Studio in St. Petersburg. Graduated from the Leningrad School of Choreography in the class of renowned educator Agripina Vaganova (1924), then worked as an instructor at the school (1925–1927) and until 1927, was a soloist at the Leningrad Opera and Ballet Theatre.
After moving to Rīga, she joined the Latvian National Opera, initially as a ballet soloist (1927–1939), and later as chief ballet master (1945–1951 and 1956–1965). Also worked as the ballet master at the Rīga Operetta Theatre (1951–1956).
The one-act ballet Bolero by Morris Ravel staged by Helēna Tangijeva-Birzniece in 1958 became an outstanding performance. “This performance is one of the best achievements of the ballet master. Here you can see the unusual approach of a mature and independent-minded person to the creation of a dance portrayal. Bolero – it is of one colour, one single facet and one sensation filled with previously unknown intensity. The laconic narration of the dance highlights one thing – an intensive, dramatic experience” acknowledges dance-art researcher Elza Siliņa. (Bāliņa, Gunta. Tangijeva-Birzniece Helēna. Letonika.lv)
The treasure chest of classic Latvian ballet includes miniatures staged by Tangijeva-Birzniece: Dārgakmeņi (Precious Stones) by Jāzeps Vītols, Melanholiskais valsis (Melancholic Waltz) by Emīls Dārziņš, as well as the ballet On the Blue Danube by Johann Strauss, which is still performed today. “... the ballet she created, On the Beautiful Blue Danube, was an integral part of the Opera House’s repertoire for decades, she could throw students out of class, but also selflessly care for them and write heartfelt letters” writes ballet historian Gunta Bāliņa (Dūdiņa-Kurmiņa, Dina. Ballet dancer, choreographer and educator Helēna Tangijeva-Birzniece (Lsm.lv, 17 June 2017)
She truly invested great and selfless work in training young ballet dancers throughout her life by directing a private ballet studio (1927–1932), working as a teacher at the Opera Ballet School (1932–1937), then at its studio and Rīga’s Choreography High School (1948–1965). Her students included renowned ballet dancers such as Anna Priede, Mirdza Griķe, Velta Vilciņa, Ināra Gintere, Ausma Dragone, Ināra Ābele and Sarmīte Jakse.
A Chief choreographer at the 1st Dance Celebration and Honorary Chief choreographer at the 5th Dance Celebration, participated in production of the 2nd and 3rd Dance Celebrations. Dance Celebrations have featured her Meiteņu deja ar jostām (Girls’ dance with belts). Particular mention should be made of her now Latvian classic stage dance Diždancis (Grand Dance), the extended arrangement of Gatves deja (Street Dance) and the original dance Rucavietis.
Latvian SSR Order of Honour for Performing Artists (1948), People’s Performing Artist of the Latvian SSR (1956). Included in the Latvian Cultural Canon.
