The history of Norwegian Folk Dance is a rich Scandinavian heritage. The old dance consists of song dances that tell stories of heroes and it is still very strong nowaday in Norway. Folk Dance is meant to be danced, not watched; it is performed for joy of participation. An example of this is the Halling, a vigorous Norwegian folk dance for couples. The name derives from Hallingdal, a valley in southern Norway. The ballet is also very strong in Norway. It’s special characteristic is that classical ballet and modern dance are mixed, integrating folklore elements. At the present day there are three big dance festivals in Norway; October Dance Norway, Coda – Oslo International Dance Festival, and Dance Festival Barents.

By Izabela Borela Pagot