In our ArtLab, we will explore the relationship between northern handicrafts and everyday activities, ways of life and weather, and our bodies and movements. Which activities and movements contain their own sounds and rhythms? Which can be understood as a form of music, and what can be translated into dance?

During the ArtLab at JILLAT – Sami Dance Center in Vuollerim, we will investigate how handicrafts and traditional crafts can be translated into dance and choreography. We will search for the potential for sound and movement within these traditions, before exploring how traditional knowledge and activities can be transformed into a contemporary artistic language for the stage.

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Ivar Beddari is an actor, playwright and composer. He studied at NSKI University College in Norway, The New School for Drama in New York City and Oriveden Opisto in Finland. Alongside his freelance work as an actor, he is also an artist who produces his own performances.

His artistic practice moves between acting, movement, poetry, handicrafts, music, social commentary and cultural heritage. He is active within the performing arts field in the north and has in recent years worked with organisations and companies including Kvääniteatteri, Ferske Scener, NOOR Produksjoner, Samovarteateret and Hålogaland Teater.

He is currently touring as an actor and singer in Matka, produced by Nordnorsk Jazzsenter, for which he also wrote the script. He is also presenting Arven i Nordøst with Kalabalik, a concert and monologue performance about migration and the Kven, Sámi, Karelian and Finnish heritage of the north.

In spring 2025, he will premiere Safariland with the Kristinsdottir/Willyson company and Stilla – En forestilling with NOOR Produksjoner.

Ellinor Ødegård Staurbakk is a dancer and choreographer from Engeløya in Nordland. She trained as a dancer at the Institute of the Arts Barcelona, where she completed a bachelor’s degree, and at London Contemporary Dance School, where she completed a master’s degree.

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Ellinor works nationally and internationally as a freelance dance artist, both creating her own work and performing for others. She has worked with artists and companies including Russell Maliphant, Riccardo Buscarini, Igor and Moreno, Alleyne Dance, Pan.Optikum and Panta Rei Danseteater.

She founded Ærlig Talt Produksjoner, which premiered the performance EKKO – Hymne til fjellet during Bodø Biennale 2024. The production was created in partnership with Stormen Konserthus and Bodø 2024.

Staurbakk draws strong inspiration from nature and from growing up in Northern Norway. As an artist, she is curious and enjoys testing the boundaries of movement in encounters with different natural elements. This has led, among other things, to the project Beyond the Blue, in which she explores dance in free fall through skydiving.

Ellinor is deeply committed to the development of Arctic performing arts and is currently in her fifth year as deputy chair of Forum for Nordnorske Dansekunstnere. She is also taking part in UREDD, a talent development programme run by DAVVI – Centre for Performing Arts and Talent Norway.