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| Dansens Hus | |
|---|---|
| Name | Dansens Hus |
| Location | Oslo |
| Type | Contemporary dance venue |
| Architect | Sverre Fehn |
| Opened | 1990s |
| Owner | Norwegian National Opera and Ballet |
Dansens Hus
Dansens Hus is a contemporary dance centre and performance venue in Oslo noted for producing, presenting and promoting contemporary choreography. The institution functions as a focal point for Nordic and international dance exchange, hosting touring companies, festivals, residencies and pedagogical activities. It collaborates with municipal and national cultural bodies, biennales, theatres and festivals to advance choreographic practice and public engagement.
Dansens Hus was founded amid late‑20th‑century debates about cultural infrastructure in Norway, aligned with broader trends in Scandinavia to professionalize performing arts venues. Early partnerships involved municipal cultural offices in Oslo kommune and national agencies such as the Arts Council Norway and initiatives connected to Nordic cultural cooperation like the Nordic Council. Over decades the venue has hosted touring programs linked to festivals including Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival, Oslo International Film Festival, and collaborations with institutions such as Black Box Teater, Nationaltheatret, and the Norwegian National Ballet. Its timeline intersects with major European funding instruments, including projects supported by the European Cultural Foundation and networks like DANCE AND MEDIA and European Dancehouse Network.
The building housing the venue was developed within discussions involving prominent Norwegian architects and planners associated with projects such as the Barcode Project and waterfront regeneration in Aker Brygge. Facilities typically include multiple studios, a main stage, rehearsal rooms, production workshops, and technical rigs compatible with touring sets from companies like Rambert Dance Company and Batsheva Dance Company. The main auditorium is equipped with lighting and sound systems comparable to those found at venues such as Sadler's Wells Theatre, Théâtre de la Ville, and Het Muziektheater. Support spaces often service touring crews from institutions including Staatstheater Stuttgart and festivals like Festival d'Avignon.
Programming emphasizes contemporary choreography, cross‑disciplinary projects and international exchange, reflecting artistic currents from hubs such as New York City, Paris, London, Berlin, Reykjavík, and Copenhagen. The season features national companies like Oslo Dance Ensemble and visiting groups including Forsythe Company‑linked artists, contemporary practitioners associated with Pina Bausch, and independent choreographers emerging from institutions like Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and P.A.R.T.S.. The venue curates series, premieres, retrospectives and co‑productions with presenters such as Det Norske Teatret, Kilden Performing Arts Centre, and international festivals including Venice Biennale and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Guest choreographers, dancers and collaborators have affiliations with institutions such as Juilliard School, The Juilliard School, Malmö Opera, and Helsinki Festival.
Educational programs connect with universities and conservatoires like Oslo National Academy of the Arts, University of Oslo, University of Bergen, and specialized schools including Codarts, Institut del Teatre, and State Academy of Contemporary Dance. Outreach extends to community partnerships with cultural centres such as Deichman Library and youth programmes modelled on schemes like DanceReach and initiatives by the European Commission’s cultural directorates. Workshops, residencies and masterclasses have involved artists affiliated with Merce Cunningham Trust, Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and choreographers from the Royal Swedish Ballet.
The venue has presented works by internationally recognised companies and artists with links to institutions such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, Akram Khan Company, Wayne McGregor, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Ohad Naharin, Twyla Tharp, Sverre Fehn (architectural collaborator), and leading Nordic artists associated with Ohad Naharin‑trained performers, alumni of Juilliard and Codarts. It has programmed commissions and residencies for choreographers connected to National Theatre (London), Royal Court Theatre, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and presenters from the European Dancehouse Network and Dance Umbrella.
Governance typically involves a board combining representatives from municipal authorities in Oslo kommune, national cultural agencies such as Ministry of Culture (Norway), and stakeholders from foundations like the Fritt Ord Foundation and DNB ASA when corporate patronage is engaged. Funding sources include project grants from the Arts Council Norway, EU cultural programmes like Creative Europe, private philanthropy, box office revenue and philanthropic partnerships similar to those supporting venues such as Tate Modern and Royal Opera House. Administrative partnerships encompass collaborations with national broadcasters such as NRK and media outlets including Aftenposten and Dagbladet for publicity and outreach.
Category:Theatres in Oslo