The best young dancers

The Norwegian National Ballet 2 consists of a core of 14 Norwegian and foreign talents between the ages of 18 and 21. The company is headed by assistant ballet director at the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, Jahn-Magnus Johansen.

Since its launch in 2015, the Norwegian National Ballet 2 has left its impression on the Norwegian dance scene. The critically acclaimed company gathers some of the best young dancers in Norway and the world, with the aim of developing their artistic talents and creating the foundations for a professional career.

Their repertoire ranges from Balanchine’s Valse-Fantaisie to Ohad Naharin’s Minus 16, in addition to new works created especially for the company. In addition to their own performances and touring activities, the dancers participate in the Norwegian National Ballet’s productions, from classics such as the Nutcracker and Swan Lake to masterpieces with a modern language of dance. Young Talent festival 2019 will be the company’s third tour abroad, following its 2017 visits to Cannes and Madrid.

Strengthens recruitment

The focus on young, professional dancers has provided good results within a short time. A high proportion of dancers have at the end of their residency with the Norwegian National Ballet 2 received contracts with the Norwegian National Ballet or other, international dance companies.

- We think it is important to increase recruitment and improve the training of younger dancers so that new company members may not only preserve but also evolve the Norwegian National Ballet’s unique style and repertoire, ballet director Ingrid Lorentzen says.