Uldis Žagata

For half a century, the artist has dedicated himself to Latvian stage dance, is the author of many classic dances, creating around 300 choreographies. His creative work is characterized by its wide range and diversity of genres. More than 30 of Žagata’s dances have featured at Song and Dance Celebrations and a whole generation of dancers have grown up with the artist’s choreography. “The joy of dancing has been there all of my life. But to be faithful to dance throughout my life has been my highest fulfilment” the artist admits. (Krauja, Vita. Uldis Žagata: Being faithful to dance is the highest fulfilment of my life. Latvijas Avīze. 18 June 2013)

A Chief choreographer at the 6th-11th Dance Celebrations, Honorary Chief choreographer at the 12th-15th Dance Celebrations, a Chief choreographer at the 3rd-5th Latvian Schools’ Song and Dance Celebrations, Honorary Chief choreographer at the 8th Latvian Schools’ Song and Dance Celebration and the Rīga-800 festival, Chief choreographer for Limbaži District dance groups (1977–1993), and artistic director of many major dance concerts.

“When it comes to really having a feel for dance, it is something between the earth and the sky. There is no dance without character! Just some superfluous appearance on a stage. Nor can it be without drama.” (Krauja, Vita. Uldis Žagata: Being faithful to dance is the highest fulfilment of my life. Latvijas Avīze. 18 June 2013)

Latvian SSR Order of Honour for Performing Artists (1963), Latvian SSR People’s Performing Artist (1973), USSR People’s Performing Artist (1988), Officer, Order of the Three Stars (1997) and Lifelong Stipendiate of the State Culture Capital Foundation.