Ingeborg Kolstad — Norwegian Dancer and Choreographer

Through her performances, Kolstad offers audiences a chance to see how folklore-based narratives can spark innovative contemporary choreography.

Early Inspiration and Training

Growing up in Norway, Kolstad was surrounded by myths and folk tales that spoke to themes of nature, magic, and mystery. She studied dance from a young age, taking classes in ballet, contemporary, and jazz. This diverse training laid the groundwork for her to experiment with new forms of expression. She moved to New York to pursue college studies and immerse herself in the city’s bustling dance environment. There, she refined her technique under renowned teachers, adopting the discipline required to succeed in a demanding creative field.

As she gained confidence in her craft, Kolstad began to craft original pieces that fused movement and storytelling. She drew on her memories of Norwegian forests and mountainous landscapes, weaving them into choreographies that incorporated minimal sets and costuming. The result was a dance that felt both earthy and ethereal. Spectators noted the raw power of her work, comparing some of her pieces to living fairy tales brought to life on stage.

Breakthrough Performances

Kolstad’s early performances in New York explored universal human emotions like longing, fear, and hope. For example, in one of her earliest works, “BERGTATT,” she portrayed the legend of a forest spirit who captivates travelers. The piece set a brisk choreographic pace, using lighting changes to suggest the passage from day to night, and culminating in a moment when the spirit appears in full splendor. Audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and Kolstad gained further invitations to festivals across the city.

Another notable piece, “Styggen på ryggen,” explored the inner emotional struggles people face. That performance used contemporary movement paired with an electronic soundscape to convey the swirl of anxieties and joys in daily life. It was staged at the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater, receiving acclaim for its honest portrayal of vulnerability. Critics praised Kolstad’s ability to combine modern dance with a palpable sense of Norwegian identity, describing her style as haunting yet bold.

Approach to Choreography

Kolstad treats dance as a channel for sharing stories. She often begins her creative process by reflecting on a narrative or specific emotion, then searches for movements that capture those ideas. Her Norwegian background serves as a well of inspiration, and she incorporates elements of folklore to add depth and mystery. She also collaborates with dancers who bring their own cultural influences into the process, thus broadening the piece’s scope.

Beyond her own choreography, Kolstad performs with Threads of Truth Inc., a company that explores themes of social justice. Working in a collaborative ensemble has provided her a broader perspective, pushing her to consider how dance can spark dialogue about pressing issues. By balancing her personal projects with company work, Kolstad keeps expanding her range and solidifying her place in New York’s dance scene.

Upcoming Duet at TRUE NORTH

At the TRUE NORTH showcase on April 22, 2025, Kolstad will present a duet titled “EKKO,” performed with fellow Norwegian dancer Sonja Hovik Brendås. This piece focuses on the idea of echoes, both literal and symbolic. Viewers can expect a dynamic interplay of matching movements, abrupt shifts, and reflective stillness. Each dancer seems to mirror or echo the other, creating a sense of continuous flow broken only by occasional departures. Through these exchanges, Kolstad hopes to convey themes of isolation, identity, and shared experience.

The duet promises to embody the spirit of Norwegian artistry in a modern form. The music for “EKKO” incorporates natural ambient sounds from Nordic landscapes, reinforcing the tie between environment and movement. By uniting folklore-driven choreography with contemporary visuals, Kolstad aims to give the audience a new perspective on heritage, creativity, and collaboration. She sees this performance as a chance to celebrate Norwegian culture and highlight the synergy of Nordic dance in a global city.

Those interested in witnessing Kolstad’s captivating choreographic style can attend TRUE NORTH on April 22, 2025, at the New York Estonian House. The event invites all to experience a range of music, dance, and visual art that showcase Nordic and Baltic creativity. Tickets are on sale now, and they offer an opportunity to watch Kolstad’s “EKKO” come to life on stage in an evening of cultural celebration.