Taisa Aruma
1940
Educator, choreographer, cultural figure
Born 13 August 1940 in Pededze Parish, Alūksne District. Started dancing as a child in the Lejasciems Elementary School dance group.
Studied at the Liepāja Teachers’ Institute (1959–1962), graduating from the International Professions’ Folk Dance Department at the same time. Then started to direct her first dance group in Lēdurga (1963–1973), followed by several dance groups in the Limbaži District. In 1979, the Varavīksne (Rainbow) Limbaži District schoolchildren’s dance group, led by Aruma, achieved notable success by gaining the title of laureate in all age groups: the 9-11 class group gained a Grade I diploma, the 5-8 class group a Grade II diploma and the 1-4 class group a Grade III diploma. This was the first time in Dance-celebration history that a group from one district had earned so many awards.
Another of the artist’s pet projects has been the Katvari folk-dance ensemble, which she created and led for more than 40 years (since 1973). During its activities, it achieved success both in Latvia and at international festivals, as well as organising friendship concerts, presenting not only Latvian folk dances but also expressive dances of other nations.
Under the guidance of this experienced dance educator, in 1985 the Katvari young people’s dance group won 1st place in the Republic dance competition, but a year later achieved the title of People’s Folk-dance ensemble.
Remembering the 1970s, former Katvari dancer Alija Berkāne relates: “Although so many years have passed, the ballroom dancing classes are still a vivid memory for me, just like our famous Katvari dance group. Our director, Taisa Aruma, did everything from her heart, which is why she fulfilled her wishes. I really liked our dancers and so many machine-operators danced! After a hard day’s work on a tractor, they found the energy to dance. Amazing! Back then, the collective farm was very proud of its dancers and outstanding director.” (Melne, Edīte. And there was the pleasure of working together. Katvarupagasts.lv. 26 May 2017)
Her dances, including Līgo laiva uz ūdeņa (Līgo boat on the water), Saimnieks darbā (Farmer at work) and Caur sidraba birzi gāju (I Wandered through the Birch Grove), have won awards in new-dance competitions.
A Chief choreographer at the 10th and 11th Dance Celebrations, Honorary Chief choreographer at the 15th -17th Dance Celebrations, A Chief choreographer at the 6th and 7th Latvian Schools Song and Dance Celebrations, chief choreographer for Valka District dance groups (1981–1990), Assistant to Uldis Žagata, Chief choreographer for Limbaži District dance groups (up to 1982).
Latvian SSR Educator of Excellence (1978), Latvian SSR Order of Honour for Cultural endeavours (1989), received the Ministry of Culture Honorary Certificate and the Medal of Honour of the Cross of Recognition.
