Uldis Šteins
1935-2023
Choreographer, dance educator, engineer, film producer
Born 28 July 1935 in Rīga. After graduating from the Rīga Polytechnical Institute (1959), started working at the Rīga Film Studio as Chief Engineer (1968–1978), later as Deputy Director (1978–1990) and Director (1990–1998), taught cinema technology at the Latvian Academy of Culture.
He discovered his love for folk dance in childhood, dancing in children’s dance groups. Later he improved his knowledge by dancing in the Dancis (Dance) folk-dance ensemble (1960–1969). Gained great success in directing the Vektors dance group (from 1960), which can be proud of its achievements under his leadership – the title of People’s Folk-dance ensemble was gained as early as in 1963, followed by numerous awards in Dance-celebration reviews and competitions.
Has authored several dances, which have both received awards at new-dance competitions and been performed at Dance Celebrations. “I’m not a typical choreographer, I’m more interested in interpretation. Every artist has to have his own interpretation, otherwise he just copies and repeats.” (Strautmane, Ingvilda. Dance Engineer Uldis Šteins: I’m not a typical choreographer, I like interpretation. Lsm.lv.5 June 2017)
A Chief choreographer at the 7th-11th Dance Celebrations, Honorary Chief choreographer at the 13th-16th Dance Celebrations, a Chief choreographer at the Rīga-800 Festival, Chief choreographer for the Rīga Kirov District (now Centre District) (1965–1980) and Madona District (1981–1985) dance groups, and has participated in four Gaudeamus Baltic Student Song and Dance festivals. Directed regional dance festivals in Liepāja (1978) and Gulbene (1983).
Latvian SSR Order of Honour for Cultural Contribution (1973), Bearer, Order of the Three Stars.
Uldis Šteins passed away on May 23, 2023, in Riga, aged 87.
