Dansene
På Operaballet er både nybegynnere og erfarne dansere velkomne. Det gis enkel instruksjon underveis i ballet, men mange velger også å delta på dansekurs i forkant for å føle seg tryggere på dansegulvet.
Må jeg kunne danse?
Nei. Du trenger ikke kunne danse for å delta på Operaballet. Det gis korte instruksjoner underveis, og du velger selv om du vil være med på dansene.
Du trenger heller ikke ha med egen partner. Mange kommer alene eller sammen med venner, og flere av dansene åpner for partnerbytte underveis.
Om dansekursene
Vil du føle deg tryggere på dansegulvet, anbefaler vi å bli med på et av våre dansekurs. Her lærer du både klassiske og livlige danser som brukes under Operaballet.
Kursene passer både for nybegynnere og for deg som har danset før.
Dansekurs publiseres høsten
Følg med her for oppdateringer.
We vary the dance program from year to year to keep the ball original and exciting.
The selection of dances may therefore change, and the final program will be decided closer to the ball.
Polonaise
The Oslo Opera Ball begins with a traditional polonaise. The polonaise originated in Poland and came to the Nordic countries in the 19th century, and is a common opening dance at balls.
In the polonaise, we use gliding walking steps to the music, which is in 3/4 time. The polonaise begins with a line of two couples in the middle of the dance floor. The couples follow the line, and the dance master will lead the various formations.
Minuet
The minuet is a French couple's dance introduced at the court of Louis XIV around 1650. It is danced with small, slow steps (pas menus, hence the name) to ¾ time.
The couples stand side by side in two rows, women on the right side of their partner, left hand in left hand. The dance starts on the right foot. A minuet step consists of four steps: 1) right foot forward, left foot next to it. Take three steps forward, left – right – left, right foot next to it. This is repeated throughout the dance, both forwards, backwards, around each other, and to the side, see video.
Flower Waltz
Blomstervals (Flower Waltz) is danced to "Waltz of the Flowers" from The Nutcracker, the famous ballet piece composed by Tchaikovsky. It is danced in groups of four, consisting of two couples. The couples dance light waltz steps throughout the dance, which consists of three parts. Part one is danced by the group in a circle, part two consists of the flower chain where women greet men and vice versa, and part three consists of waltzing in pairs. One switches from the flower chain to waltzing when they feel the music dictates it. It is not uncommon for different groups to waltz at different points in the music.
Hole in the Wall
Hole in the Wall is an English country dance from the late 1600s. Couples face each other, men in one line and women in the opposite line. Two couples dance together in a group of four. The lines are divided into 1-couples and 2-couples. 1-couples dance downwards, while 2-couples dance upwards. This means that all couples get new partners to dance with each round. This is one of the dances we spend a lot of time teaching in our dance classes.
Kerensky
The Kurensky dance is a lively and colourful Ukrainian folk dance, known for its quick steps, energetic jumps, and strong expressions of joy and community. Rooted in traditional village festivals, the dance combines precision and vitality, accompanied by rhythmic folk music with violin, accordion, and drums. The Kurensky dance offers both power and elegance – a celebration of culture, unity, and zest for life.
Gallop
The gallop is a lively dance in 2/4 time that originated in the 19th century. It is danced with quick and light steps, where the dancers run or gallop across the floor in large circles or diagonals. The gallop typically involves hopping and tripping movements, and the dancers hold each other in an open or simple couple position. It is known for its energy and speed, and is often a popular dance at balls and social events where a lively and fun atmosphere is desired. There is no strict choreography; rather, it is up to each couple how they wish to dance.
Gallop
The gallop is a lively dance in 2/4 time that originated in the 19th century. It is danced with quick and light-footed steps, where the dancers run or gallop across the floor in large circles or diagonals. The gallop typically includes hopping and tripping movements, and the dancers hold each other in an open or simple partner position. It is known for its energy and speed, and is often a popular dance at balls and social events where a lively and fun atmosphere is desired. There is no strict choreography, but rather it is up to each couple how they wish to dance.
Czech polka
Czech polka is a lively and energetic folk dance that originated in the Czech Republic. It is danced in 2/4 time with characteristic hopping and skipping steps. Dancers hold each other in an open position or in a simple couple's position. Typical of Czech Polka are fast steps, hops, and turns, and it is performed to cheerful and festive music. The dance is popular both as an entertainment dance and as part of traditional festivals and celebrations in the Czech Republic and elsewhere. It can be danced with both few and many, and it is common to have to change partners during the dance.
Viennese waltz
Viennese Waltz is an elegant and romantic dance that originated in Vienna in the 18th century. It is danced in 3/4 time with a flowing and soaring style. Dancers hold each other in a closed position, with ladies on the right side and gentlemen on the left side. The dance involves rapid, yet elegant turns and spins across the dance floor.
Skating Waltz
The Skater's Waltz is danced with couples in open position, right hand to right. Dancers move in large circular or oval patterns on the dance floor. The movements include energetic swings, spinning turns, and elegant gliding motions, inspired by ice skating. The tempo is fast and lively in 3/4 time, and the dance is characterized by dynamism and cheerfulness.
Tarantella
Tarantella is a lively Italian folk dance dating back to the 16th century. The dance's origin is supposedly linked to tarantism, a disease that came to Italy from the 16th to the 18th century and was associated with the venom of the tarantula spider. To get the venom out of their bodies, the victims had to dance.
Tarantella is characterized by fast, tripping steps and rapid turns. Dancers move in pairs or in a circular formation, and the dance often involves lively hand movements and gestures. Tarantella is known for its festive atmosphere and is often performed during celebrations, weddings, or other social events in Italy. At the Oslo Opera Ball, we dance a variant from Sicily.