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Petra Broomans

Dr. Petra Broomans is an Associate Professor of European Languages and Cultures with ius promovendi at University of Groningen. For more information about Dr. Petra Broomans, see here.

Contributions to nordics.info

Dorrit Willumsen (b. 1940)

Dorrit Willumsen
- Biography

Danish writer Dorrit Willumsen excels in historical, biographical novels.

Ballet in the Nordics

black and white picture of man leaping into the air with his left leg straight out behind him and his right straight out in front with upper body very straight and arms in a graceful ballet position
- Petra Broomans

Classical ballet in the Nordic countries has its roots in Nordic folk dance and has been influenced by the Italian, French and Russian traditions, the latter assisted by Finland’s and Sweden’s proximity to the cultural hub of St Petersburg. Nordic ballet has conversely inspired ballet in Europe and America. As elsewhere, classical ballet and modern dance have influenced each another throughout the twentieth century and continue to do so. Swedish ballet has been particularly prominent, although important dancers and developments in ballet have also been found in Denmark, Finland and Norway. The Nordic Royal Ballets and National Ballet Schools are important institutions and the Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD) examinations continues to symbolise classical ballet as an independent art form.

Ballet in Norway

Black and white photograph of two dancers in roleplay. One male dancer dressed as a very bent old woman in old fashioned poor clothes with a bundle of wood on her shoulder. One female dancers dressed as a boy with old-fashioned costume including trousers
- Petra Broomans

After its independence in 1905, Norwegian ballet took on a tradition of its own, lately being characterised by classical ballet and modern dance merging and influencing one another. This is demonstrated not least by postmodern dance innovatively integrating folklore elements.

Ballet in Sweden

Dancer dressed in maroon silk with arms and legs behind them while they jump in the air
- Petra Broomans

Founded in 1773, the Royal Swedish Ballet remained relatively traditional until the early part of the twentieth century when modern dance and dancers from elsewhere, such as Russia, gained influence. Developments since then have included the 1940s renaissance for the Swedish ballet due to an Anglo-American orientation and collaborative projects and state support helping to increase audience numbers in the 1970s.

Ballet in Finland

Ballet performance, a woman with wings performing with a man
- Petra Broomans

The National Ballet was founded in 1921, later than those in Denmark, Norway and Sweden due to Finland only becoming independent in 1917. Its geographical location meant that ballet took on a geopolitical dimension during the Cold War.

Ballet in Denmark

- The Quick Read

Denmark is home to many contemporary and classical ballet companies, such as the Royal Danish Ballet. The influence of Danish choreographer and ballet dancer August Bournonville can still be seen on a national and international level.

Revised 05.10.2021