The Nordics Unveiled

In the new episode of the Nordics Unveiled, Eldbjørg Hemsing is exploring the rich heritage of dance. Joining her exploration is Norwegian choreographer, dancer and entrepreneur Hallgrim Hansegård - know for his dance company Frikar.

Show Notes

Hallgrim Hansegård has truly made a name with bringing the rich traditional folk dance 'halling' to the global audiences, both through live performances, TV productions and even video games. Known for his innovative and playful dance projects, Hallgrim is continuously breaking physical, psychological and cultural barriers. His projects had been performed in more than 30 countries and have reached over 100 million views on YouTube. Most interestingly, his performance has also been censored by Catholic Church in Italy. Hallgrim has in 2006 founded his own dance company FRIKAR, artistically leading a space where Norwegian traditional folk dance and other sub-cultures within dance community can experiment, develop and nurture the heritage by sharing it to the future generations.

"In the Nordic countries we share a common heritage of social dances, with a lot of whirling in a couple formation. There is a common use of circle dances, but Halling is kind of different, almost a 'Flamingo dance of the Nordics'. ... I tend to disagree from the majority of dances who believe Halling is a male dance, as there is several written sources from 1700 about high-quality female dancers."
Hallgrim Hansegård, The Nordics Unveiled

"It is both interesting and strange that we have such big regional differences. Even in the mood with music and dance. In the Southern part of Norway they are known for a more dark mood, heaviness in the dance. And in Valdres, most of Hallings are pretty happy and light, and our Springar is the most leaning forward, which is really good for the trance dancing."
Hallgrim Hansegård, The Nordics Unveiled


More information about Hallgrim Hansegård and his work with FRIKAR work on the following link.

What is The Nordics Unveiled?

What is typically Nordic? What characterizes our history, development and who we are today?
Norwegian violinist Eldbjørg Hemsing has grown up in a village of Aurdal, in the valley of Valdres where centuries old folk music tradition had influenced and inspired composers such as Grieg, Ole Bull and Halvorsen. The so called ‘Nordic sound’ is strongly inspired by nature, moods and changes. Everything from the northern lights, to deep mountains and valleys, to water. The lyrical, melancholic and often cautious optimists are a key words to explain what can often be characterized as Nordic. The clean, simple and often pictorial. At the same time, it is a courage and a force to be reckoned with, as can be drawn from Nordic fairy tales, often with a warm humor. Many of these features also appear in other artistic disciplines. How has history shaped us and what can we learn from who we are today?

Embark on the journey to the North and join Eldbjørg Hemsing in "The Nordics Unveiled", exploring the themes of Nordic mythology, folk music, Sami tradition, discovery of forgotten Nordic works in music, philosophy, architecture and nature.