Østfold Dansekompani for Ungdom (ØDU) is a project company for young dancers aged 13-23.
Østfold dansekompani for ungdom offers young dancers the opportunity to work with professional choreographers within the genres of contemporary dance, hip hop, jazz and performing arts in public space. ØDU also constitutes a meeting point for young dancers in the region and a great arena for networking in the performing arts!
The company’s focus is to give its dancers experience in how different choreographers work, and insight of what different forms of expression require of them as dancers.
Østfold Dance Company for Youth was established as Norway’s first county company for youth in December 2015. From 2020, the company is part of the activities of Østfold International Theatre. Participation is free of charge. (Travel expenses for rehearsals and performances may be incurred.)
Audition
Members of the company are selected through an annual audition. A dancer can stay in the company for several years, so the number of available places varies.
READ MORE ABOUT AUDITION HERE >>
This is what ØDU does
The company has previously worked with exciting choreographies by, among others: Jo Strømgren, Jens Trinidad, Absence Crew, Ellen Røhr-Staff, Sara Stang Møller and Kristian Støvind. The company has also participated in the world premiere of Bel Horizon by le G. Bistaki, Ufestival, Sarpsborg’s 1000th anniversary, Kitt Johnsons Mellemrum Encounter/ Moss, Meetingpoint in Fredrikstad Cathedral and Panta Rei danseteater / Aura Dance Theatre’s Godos (2016).
In 2021 and 2022, the company worked with choreographer Edwin Cabascango and with the artists in the improvisation project Levitate Together (Live Skullerud, Jade Wulff, Ellen Røhr-Staff, André Fjørtoft, Jonas Bjerketvedt, Jan Husták and others). In 2023, the company is in a collaboration with Panta Rei dance theater, creating a site-specific versions of Oslofjorden dances in Fredrikstad and Halden.
Dancing in public space
The fact that Østfold Dansekompani is part of Østfold Internasjonale Teater gives the company unique opportunities. They have performed on many different stages and arenas around Østfold, as well as in many site-specific productions and with performing arts in public spaces – i.e. outside the traditional dance stages. Here, the company’s young dancers are challenged to perform in public spaces. The collaboration with ØIT has given the company the opportunity to participate in productions with artists such as Panta Rei Dance Theater, Le G. Bistaki, Verk Produksjoner, Benjamin Vandewalle and Kitt Johnson.
Kontakt
Ellen Røhr-Staff har ledet kompaniet siden etableringen. Finn kontaktinfo til Ellen her