Also known as “Village dance” is a form of dancing belonging to the Scandinavian region known as Bygdedans. This “traditional” dance is said to have originated from Norway, and is considered to be the oldest Norwegian style of dancing. Apparently, this dance form is said to be mainly performed within a few isolated farming communities in the country. Furthermore, this dance is performed mainly in areas in Norway where the “hardanger fiddle” is used as the main musical instrument.
a. History/origin of the Bygdedans dance:
This dance form is supposed to be the oldest in Norway. Apparently, it is said to have been created and developed around the 16th-18th century. Over the years several other Norwegian dance forms such as springar, gangar, springliek, springdans, rudl/rull, pols, hailing etc have evolved from the Bygdedans. In addition, this dance is said to have been heavily influenced by the European style of dancing.
b. Costumes used in the Bygdedans dance:
Traditional Norwegian costumes are used that includes an overcoat, white shirt, trousers, and pair of long boots for men. While the females use a colourful and vibrant long dress along with a pair of boots.
c. Music involved in the Bygdedans dance:
The musical instrument mainly used in this dance style is the “hardanger fiddle”.
d. Training availability and the technique involved in the Bygdedans dance:
In terms of technique, this dance comprises of two basic forms “gangar” and “springar”. In addition, both these forms of this Norwegian dance are mainly characterized by three components i.e. the figuring part, the free dancing part also known as “lausdans”, and the closed hold part known as “samdans”. Furthermore, the two basic forms of the Bygdedans can be differentiated from each other by comparing the tempo and the intensity of the music used. In terms of training centers/schools, there are not many available around the world since this “traditional” dance is mainly performed in Norway.