The official opening is introduced by Ole-Henrik Bjørkmo Lifjell and with beautiful dance from Stellaris DansTeater to music by Halvdan Nedrejord. At the same time, the hefty exhibition "Vuoiŋŋastat / Åndedrag" by Hilde Skancke Pedersen opens, which will be on display during the festival week. Read more about the exhibition here.

In connection with the festival opening, Gula wants to create mearramárrat. We encourage those who have a gákti/kofte to put iwear it to the opening and the rest of the week. Let the gákti/kofte edge swing - and make a little noise # mearramárrat. See the event on Facebook here.

The event is free, but any donations to DanseFestival Barents via VIPPS will be much appreciated Vipps # 117954 or search for DanseFestival Barents in the app, or via PayPal.

During the opening "Fragments - Excerpts from Swans in stone" is a visually beautiful and energetic choreography. The piece is inspired by petroglyphs from Alta and the motif "Two Swans in stone" which is from petroglyphs outside Belamorsk. The choreography is a leap of thought from ancient times to a more modern time visualised through two stage images with facts and imagination. In a universe of movements and colours, joik and choir, a fantasy world is created.

Choreography: Solveig Leinan-Hermo
Dancers: Ekaterina Nikitina, Eivind Linn and Tonje Aas Molnes
Music/joik: Halvdan Nedrejord

Visit the website of Stellaris DansTeater: www.stellaris.no