Alfrēds Spura
1928–2001
Ballet artist, choreographer
Born 30 March 1928 in Stelpe Parish. Graduated from the Rīga Secondary School of Choreography (1947–1951). Spent thirty years of his life (1947–1976) at the Opera and Ballet Theatre, including with ballet stars Māris Liepa, Haralds Ritenbergs, Uldis Žagats and Arturs Ēķis. The artist was a striking character-role dancer.
Spura’s subtle, soulful talent was manifested brilliantly in the directing of the Dancis folk-dance ensemble (1968–1985). Under his guidance, dancers developed body and arm plasticity, creating high-quality and emotion-filled performances. “The history of Dancis confirms that Harijs Sūna gave Dancis its name, Uldis Žagata – the dazzling technique, but Alfrēds Spura – the soul of dance” says Rolands Juraševskis, the current artistic director of the University of Latvia folk-dance group Dancis of its unique 71-year path. (Monument to ballet dancer and choreographer Alfrēds Spurs to be unveiled. Lsm.lv. 2 August 2017)
Well-known directors of Latvian dance groups Roland Juraševskis, Rita Spalva, Gunta Skuja, Olga Freiberga and others have grown up under Spura’s guidance.
The choreographer created more than 20 dances and dance suites. Several of them have received awards in dance competitions – Meteņu polka (Shrovetide Polka), Diždancis (Grand Dance), Es nenācu šai vietā (I didn’t come to …) and Kursas godu dancis (Kursa Dance of Respect), they have been frequently included in Dance-celebration programmes.
A Chief choreographer at the 8th and 9th Dance Celebrations and Honorary Chief choreographer at the 12th Dance Celebration and chief choreographer of several dance performances, and actively participated in the preparation of the Gaudeamus Baltic Students’ Song and Dance Festival.
Latvian SSR Order of Honour for Cultural Contribution (1975).
