The Story Of The Norwegian Dancers

In 1952, Stoughton Wisconsin held its first Syttende Mai celebration. This recognition of the Norwegian Independence Day was to become a tradition in the community. Mr. Albert Molderhauer was the administrator of the schools at the time. He was of German ancestry, but felt that because the area was primarily populated with second and third generation Norwegians, the schools should play an active part in supporting ethnic pride in Stoughton.

He approached Jeanne Reek (English ancestry), the girls' physical education teacher, and prevailed upon her to begin a Norwegian dance group made up of high school student. The group would be expected to perform during future Syttende Mai celebrations. Ms. Reek was reluctant to undertake this task, as she had limited folk dance background and little knowledge of Norway and its customs. However, because she was convinced of the value of such a group she began the program by choosing six girls who in turn chose their partners to form the first group.

The group began by practicing during their lunch hour. In order to put in more time they began holding practices at 7:00 a.m. Since the early years the group has grown to 20 dancers and three keyboardists. Practices are now held each morning from 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

By the third year of their existence the interest of the school and community grew to such extent that Ms. Reek felt she must uncover all there was to know about Norway and its customs. She advanced the performance level of the troop through talks and interviews with Norwegians but found very little recorded information about folk dancing.

In the summer of 1964, she went to Norway to gather information first hand. She spent seven weeks there filming folk dances, getting translations to accompany the films, exploring costume shops and taping music.

Other people in the community helped in developing these authentic folk performances. Shirley Ralph (Welch ancestry) has worked on recording on paper the music to accompany the dancers. In the beginning years, accordions were used, but today, the dancers are accompanied by keyboardists. Alma Tenjem played an important role in copying, designing, embroidering and constructing costumes. The first costumes were all hand made in Stoughton. Now, the girl's bunads are actually from Norway and represent different regions of the country and the boy's bunads are made in Stoughton with material ordered from Norway.

With the support and assistance of talented community members, school personal and parents, the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers have become 'good will ambassadors'. They have performed for millions of people. They have toured all over the United States and have been in several national folk festivals. Each spring they go on tour to a different part of the country. In 1968 they were asked to dance for King Olaf of Norway when he visited Madison. Ms. Reek returned to Norway in 1971 to do more research. The following year a highlight in the Dancers career came when they were invited to perform in Norway in and around Bergen and Oslo.

Each year many students in Stoughton try out for the nine to ten vacancies in the group left by graduating seniors. Being a Norwegian Dancer is held in high regard among the students and community. The students who are members of the group are pleased to have the opportunity to bring to each of you a little of the traditions of Norway.