Norwegian
National
Ballet 2

For ballet lovers and first-timers alike 

Never been to the ballet before? Well, this is the performance for you! And if you have been to the ballet and enjoyed it, you’re in for a real treat. The Norwegian National Ballet 2 is presenting a revival of one of Kyliáns most distinctive masterpieces – in addition to newer works created especially for this performance. 

Brand-new choreography 

The dancers will take on brand-new pieces by a selection of outstanding choreographers. Kumiko Hayakawa, who has previously choreographed for the company, is creating a new work in a classical style. Jason Kittelberger and Alan Lucien Øyen are both choreographing for the Norwegian National Ballet UNG for the first time: Kittelberger contributes a fresh pas de deux, while in-house choreographer Øyen is creating a modern piece especially for this occasion. 

A return to Kyliáns energetic ballet 

The programme includes Jiří Kylián’s ballet Sleepless, created in 2005 for six young dancers and the perfect example of this master choreographer’s unique signature: modern ballet that is both beautiful and odd, enigmatic and charged. 

Six dancers emerge from a cross-stage screen in the most unexpected ways, delivering dance that is fast, agile, energetic – and yes, sleepless! 

The Norwegian National Ballet 2 

Performing on stage are the dancers of the Norwegian National Ballet 2. These 14 talented performers are between 18 and 20 years old and come from six different countries. Since its establishment in 2015, the company has nurtured the dancing stars of tomorrow and served as a recruiting ground for the Norwegian National Ballet. 

When the Norwegian National Ballet 2 danced its first performance in the spring of 2016, it was nominated for the Norwegian Dance Critics Award. In addition to its own performances and touring activities, the company also contributes to Norwegian National Ballet productions. 

The company is led by Jahn Magnus Johansen. This initiative has been made possible by Talent Norge AS, coupled with generous funding from Sparebankstiftelsen DNB, the Tom Wilhelmsen Foundation, Norsk Tipping and Scatec Innovation.