A Dance Tribute to the Art of Football

Passion, camaraderie, violence, beauty and - not least of all - the ball. This is a dance performance for anyone who is a die-hard football fan. Oh, and for anyone interested in dance in its own right, too.

A Dance Tribute to the Art of Football by Norwegian choreographer Jo Strømgren has taken audiences by storm and has been performed around the world since its première in 1997.

The performance approaches football as a phenomenon and portrays the sport through both appealing aesthetics and humour. By the same token, the piece is also a political commentary on the unnecessary conflict between sport and art and aims a well-directed kick at the prejudices that afflict both football and dance. Instead of keeping the two art forms apart, Strømgren's work bulldozes the wall between them and reveals the commonalities shared by the two disciplines: enormous entertainment value and explosive physical expression.

Dance company Jo Strømgrens Kompani was formed in 1998 and is currently one of Scandinavia's most well-established independent dance troupes, travelling extensively across the world. Jo Strømgren is himself a dancer, choreographer, scriptwriter and director. Apart from managing his own company's stage and film productions, Strømgren has also built an extensive career as a freelance choreographer and director.

Choreogaphy: Jo Strømgren

Music: Jørgen Knudsen / Flügshadel

Scenography: Stephan Østensen

Costume Design: Ingvild Hovind

Lighting Design: Stephen Rolfe

Sound Design: Lars Årdal

Performers: Sverre Magnus Heidenberg, Jan Nicolai Wesnes/Stian Danielsen, Mikkel Are Olsenlund och Maria Henriette Nygård

Production: Black Box Teater Oslo och BIT Teater Garasjen, Bergen

Supported by Norsk kulturråd

Presented through Dansnät Sverige

Press quotes

"The gags are numerous and irresistible, but the choreographer also masters the art of creating inventive movements and beautiful images."

Le Figaro, France

"Behind the slow-motion replays, crotch-scratching rituals and satirical player stereotypes lurks a sophisticated take on a global obsession that says much about the human condition."

The Guardian, UK

"A complete and utter success. I'd see it again in a heartbeat."

The Gazette, Canada

Photo by: Foto: Knut Bry