About us
Opera Ballet Club
– A community for everyone who loves ballet
Since the 1980s, the Opera's Ballet Club has worked to promote classical ballet and strengthen the public's understanding and commitment to the world of dance.
We create a gathering point for everyone who loves ballet – whether you are a dedicated spectator, a former dancer, or new to the art form.
We collaborate with the Ballet School, the Oslo National Academy of the Arts, the National Ballet UNG and the National Ballet. We
supports the development of young talents by providing support through two annual scholarships.
Our members play an important role in this work, and through our joint efforts we can ensure that the art of ballet is both preserved and developed.
Together we put ballet in context
At the Operaens Ballettklubb, we work not only to bring the audience closer to the art of ballet, but also to place the dance within a larger artistic and historical context.
We explore Norwegian ballet in light of international developments, look at how new and historical ballets are created, and shine a spotlight on various themes within the art form.
We invite choreographers, ballet creators, and other professionals to shed light on the development, aesthetics, and expression of dance.
Through lectures and meetings with artists, we give our members insight into the technical, cultural and narrative aspects of the art of ballet. And you can always find our reports here
Historisk
Adolph Tidemand and Hans Gude, ”Bridal Procession on the Hardangerfjord“, 1848
Photo: Nasjonalmuseet / Børre Høstland
Ballet's path to Norway – From guest appearances to professional art form
Ballet came to Norway via the Danish theatre tradition in the 18th and 19th centuries. Performances were often performed by foreign guest actors at the Christiania Theater. In 1910, the National Theatre attempted to establish a Norwegian ballet education under the direction of the Danish ballet master Hans Beck, but this did not lead to a permanent company.
In the 1910s, Gyda Christensen and her daughter Lillebil Ibsen formed the first Norwegian ballet company. Later, in 1928, Inga Jacobi established a ballet school in Oslo, which played an important role in the education of Norwegian dancers. In the 1930s and 40s, interest in ballet grew, and choreographers such as Gerd Kjølaas helped develop a distinct Norwegian dance aesthetic.
An important breakthrough came in 1948 with the establishment of the New Norwegian Ballet, founded by Gerd Kjølaas and Louise Browne. This was Norway's first professional ballet company and laid the foundation for further development. In 1958, the Norwegian Opera's Ballet was established as part of the Norwegian Opera, and Norway gained its first permanent, state-supported ballet company – today's National Ballet.
The Opera's Ballet Club – A bridge between the audience and the art of ballet
With the growing interest in ballet, the Operaens Ballettklubb (Ballet Club) was founded on September 4, 1980 as an open public association affiliated with the Norwegian National Ballet. The club works to increase knowledge about ballet and dance through member meetings and events, where the public gains insight into the art form and meets dancers, choreographers and other professionals.
The establishment of the Ballettklubben was a response to the need for a closer bond between artists, audiences and decision-makers. Over the years, the club has been an important player in promoting ballet as a central part of Norwegian culture, while also building bridges between tradition and renewal.
Today, the Ballet Club continues this legacy by creating engagement around the art of ballet and bringing the audience closer to both classical and modern expressions of dance.
Ballettsjef ved nasjonalballetten
Foto: Erik Berg/ Operaen.no
Ingrid Lorentzen (2012-dd)
Kunstnerisk leder for Nasjonalballetten
Siden 1. august 2012 har Lorentzen vært kunstnerisk leder for Nasjonalballetten ved Den Norske Opera & Ballett. Under hennes ledelse har kompaniet opplevd en revitalisering og økt synlighet både nasjonalt og internasjonalt. Hun har bestilt verk fra koreografer som Alexander Ekman, Alan Lucien Øyen og Marit Moum Aune, og har satt fokus på å fremme kvinnelige koreografer. I 2015 ble hun kåret til "Director of the Year" av det internasjonale dansemagasinet Dance Europe. Hennes åremål som ballettsjef er forlenget til 2030.
Foto: Erik Berg / Store norske leksikon
Espen Giljane (2002-2012)
Norsk danser og pedagog. Han ledet kompaniet gjennom en periode med kunstnerisk fornyelse og internasjonal profilering.
Joan Harris (1961-1965)
Britisk danser og pedagog. Hun etablerte Den Norske Operas Ballettskole i 1965 og la grunnlaget for profesjonell ballettutdanning i Norge.
Harcourt Algeranoff (1958–1959)
Britisk danser og pedagog. Han var kompaniets første ballettsjef og ledet oppstarten av Operaballetten, som senere ble Nasjonalballetten.
Board
The board manages the Ballet Club's activities in accordance with the statutes and resolutions made by the annual meeting.
The Ballet Club's board consists of six members and one deputy member who are elected by the annual meeting.
The vice-chairman is elected by the board. The board has a quorum when the chair and at least two board members are present.
In the event of a tie, the chairman has a casting vote.
The alternate member is present at board meetings, but has the right to vote only as a substitute for a board member. Minutes shall be kept of the board meetings. The board members are elected for two years at a time so that:
The chairman, treasurer and one board member are elected for one year.
Secretary and two board members are elected the second
One alternate member is elected for one year.
Two auditors are elected for one year.
Election committee with three members elected for one year
Chairman Iver Anton Kristiansen
Deputy Chair Cecile Sethil Stuberg
Secretary Hilde Bruvold
Finance Marius Aabø
Board member Anniken Kjeldsrup
Board member May Helen Noreld
Deputy member Katrin Bulyk
We on the board work voluntarily to create a vibrant and inclusive environment for all who share our interest in this art form . Our goal is to develop a cultural meeting place where members can experience, learn and engage. Through our work we want to facilitate events, conversations and experiences that strengthen the community and interest in the arts.
Accountant Anette Pay
Roald Bakke
Election Committee Astrid Holmlund
Lene Margrethe Hillesøy
The Ballet Club
Statutes of the Opera's Ballet Club
Adopted at the general meeting on March 25, 1981, with amendments approved at the general meetings on March 12, 1986, and March 11, 1987, as well as annual meetings on February 22, 1990; February 20, 1992; March 17, 1995; March 16, 2010; March 13, 2012; March 12, 2013; March 9, 2015; March 21, 2017; March 22, 2018; and March 24, 2025.
§1 Name
The name of the association is Operaens Ballettklubb ("The Ballet Club").
§2 Purpose
Operaens Ballettklubb (the Ballet Club) was founded on September 4, 1980. The Ballet Club is an open public association affiliated with the Norwegian National Ballet in Oslo. The Club shall work to promote interest in and increase knowledge of ballet and dance through member meetings and events in the Oslo area.
The Ballet Club aims to award an annual scholarship to one of the dancers in the Norwegian National Ballet, with selection criteria determined by the Club’s board. The Club shall also provide financial support to the Opera’s Ballet School.
§3 Membership
Anyone can become a member of the Ballet Club by paying the membership fee. The annual membership fee is set by the annual meeting, based on a proposal from the Club’s board. The fee is the same for all members.
§4 Annual Meeting
The annual meeting is the Ballet Club’s highest authority. The ordinary annual meeting shall be held before the end of March. It is open to all members and convened by the board with at least four weeks’ notice. Proposals for discussion must be submitted in writing with justification and received by the board at least two weeks before the meeting. Nominations for board members must be submitted to the nomination committee at least two weeks before the meeting.
Agenda for the ordinary annual meeting:
Opening and confirmation of agenda
Annual report
Financial report with audit
Budget (for information)
Membership fee
Incoming proposals
Elections:
Chairperson, treasurer, and one board member are elected in even-numbered years.
Secretary and two board members are elected in odd-numbered years.
One deputy board member is elected for one year.
Two auditors are elected for one year.
A nomination committee with three members is elected for one year.
The maximum term for the chairperson is eight years, unless otherwise decided by the annual meeting in a specific case. An extraordinary general meeting may be convened by the board or when requested in writing by at least 20 members. Notice must be given in writing at least four weeks in advance, stating the agenda.
§5 The Board
The board shall lead the Club’s activities and manage its funds in accordance with the statutes and decisions made by the annual meeting. The board consists of six members and one deputy, elected by the annual meeting. The deputy chair is elected by the board. The chairperson shall convene at least five board meetings per year. A meeting is valid when the chair and at least two board members are present. In the case of a tie vote, the chair has the casting vote. The deputy member may attend all meetings and has voting rights only when substituting for a board member. Minutes shall be kept of all board meetings.
§6 Finances
The Club’s accounts shall be audited annually, but the auditors may request access to the accounts at any time. The annual report and audited accounts shall follow the calendar year. The Club’s funds shall be placed in an interest-bearing account. No board remuneration shall be paid.
§7 Amendments to the Statutes
The statutes may only be amended at an ordinary annual meeting with at least a ⅔ majority. Proposed amendments must be received by the board at least four weeks before the meeting.
§8 Dissolution of the Ballet Club
A proposal for dissolution may be submitted by the board or in writing by at least ¼ of the members at the ordinary annual meeting. It must be adopted with a ⅔ majority of the members present. The decision must then be presented at an extraordinary meeting and approved again with a ⅔ majority. If at least 20 members agree to continue running the Club, it cannot be dissolved. In case of dissolution, the extraordinary meeting shall appoint a dissolution committee of three members. The Club’s funds shall then be transferred to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet.
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Become a member
Annual membership fee:
NOK 300 per person.
Pay via bank:
Account number 0531 03 09542
Tip: #517800
Remember to write "Membership, year and name" in the message field.
Become a member here:
Always visit the website to see our events, get information about member meetings and the board. We also post detailed member minutes here for those of you who want more.
Join a community that shares a passion for dance and performing arts!
We look forward to welcoming you.
With kind regards,
The board of the Opera Ballet Club
Salgsbetingelser for Operaens Ballettklubb
Betaling
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