Uldis Rikmanis

1938
Dance group leader, choreographer

Born 4 September 1938 in Dauguļi Parish, Valmiera District. From 1949 to 1955, was deported to the Amur region, where he studied at the agricultural technical college. After returning to Latvia, continued his studies at the Bulduri Horticultural Technical School.

Here he started dancing in the group led by Osvalds Štrauss. Later, continued to learn the basics of dance with the I. Kalniņš ‘Republican Teachers’ Centre dance group and the Rīga Electromechanical Factory Cultural Centre dance group.

At the same time he also mastered ballroom dancing. He led the ballroom-dancing groups of the Vangaži Eight-year School (1967–1973), Jēkabpils District Cultural Centre (1966–1967), A. Popovs Rīga Radio Factory and its Kandava workshop. Also taught dance at the Valdeķi Cultural Centre (1975–1978) and works as a répétiteur for the Daugaviņa folk-dance ensemble. However, the most visible results were achieved with the Svīte (Suite) dance group (1970–2003) at the Tukums District Cultural Centre and its seniors’ dance group. The group has been successful in concerts in Latvia and many European countries.

A Chief choreographer at the 10th Dance Celebration and long-time Chief choreographer for Tukums District dance groups (1970–2003).