Ülle Ulla

Ülle-Valve-Oktavie Ulla, born on November 10, 1934, in Tallinn, was a multifaceted Estonian artist known for her contributions to ballet, opera, operetta, acting, and dance education. Her upbringing was influenced by a family steeped in the arts; her father worked in the railways while her mother, a stenographer-typist, was also an actress with the Hommikteater.

Ulla embarked on her professional journey by enrolling at the Estonian State Choreographical School, where she honed her skills and graduated in 1953. She became a ballet soloist at the Estonia Theatre, a role she held from 1953 to 1966 and later from 1970 to 1973. In addition to her ballet performances, Ulla showcased her versatility through roles in opera and operetta. Following her ballet career, she entertained audiences at the Viru Variety Hall from 1972 until 1985. In the 1990s, she transitioned into academia as a trainer and dance instructor at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.

Ulla's artistic journey was also captured in the documentary film "Ülle Ulla," directed by Leida Levald in 1967. Throughout her life, she had three marriages, including a union with dancer Eduard-Anatoli Hanson and a significant partnership with actor Ago-Endrik Kerge, with whom she welcomed a daughter. Her last marriage was to conductor Eri Klas, lasting from 1972 until 1991. Ülle Ulla passed away on April 9, 2016, in her beloved Tallinn, leaving behind a rich legacy in the performing arts.