A Norwegian folk dancing group will be performing at the Leif Erikson Hall next month, complete with a salmon dinner. On August 14, the dancing group Bjerkreimringen will take the stage after a 6 p.m. dinner.
From Christine Anderson with the Leif Erikson Lodge:
Bjerkreimringen comes from the west coast Rogaland province. They hail from Vikesaa, Brynes, Sandnes, Varhaug, Klepp, Aalgaard, and Egersund. The group “was officially started in 1985, but some of the members have been dancing together since 1979. There are about 40 members who practice once a week. We like to perform and much of our practice is preparation for performances. For many summers we have had a special program for German tourists. The group travels a lot, both in Norway and abroad. We have been dancing on The Great Wall in China. This is our fifth trip to the USA.”
Odd Vegard is a multi-talented person who plays harmonica, accordion, and torader. He is joined by Jorgen on the accordion and torader. Signe Marie is bringing her lur for both teaching and performing. It has been a very long time since we have heard in Seattle this Norwegian instrument, a trumpetlike wooden horn, made of bark. The group will be performing dances typically from Rogaland Norway such as the fun and entertaining threesome, Tretur fra Bjerkreim, which is featured in their logo.
The folkdance event costs $20 for adults and $10 for children until August 11. Afterwards, the price goes up $5. You can send a check with a self-addressed envelope to Norsk Folkedans Stemne, PO Box 17099, Seattle WA, 98127; by calling Christine Anderson at 206-784-6181; or by stopping by the Leif Erikson Hall.
There will also be a weekend workshop for those interested in learning the dances, songs and music at Camp Brotherhood on August 17-20. For more info, visit Seattle Stemne’s website.
