History of the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers
1952: The Birth of Tradition
In the year 1952, Stoughton, Wisconsin marked a milestone with its inaugural Syttende Mai celebration, an ode to Norwegian Constitution Day. Little did they know, this event would evolve into an enduring tradition. At the helm of the school system stood Mr. Albert Molderhauer, a man of German descent. Still, he recognized the community's rich Norwegian heritage and felt that the schools should play an active role in nurturing ethnic pride in Stoughton.
Enter the Pioneers: Crafting a Dance Troupe
To breathe life into this vision, Mr. Molderhauer sought out Jeanne Reek, a physical education teacher of English ancestry. Persuading her to embark on the journey, he convinced her to create a Norwegian dance group composed of high school students. This group's mission: to perform at future Syttende Mai celebrations. Despite her initial hesitations due to limited folk dance knowledge and Norway's customs, Ms. Reek, guided by the ethos of the times, took up the challenge. In the debut year, she handpicked six girls who then chose their partners, forming the group's foundation.
From Lunch Hours to Dawn's Early Light
The young group kicked off their practice sessions during their lunch hour. Their dedication led them to organize early morning practices at 7:00 a.m. As time passed, the group expanded to include 20 dancers and three keyboardists, and their practice schedule grew even more demanding, running from 6:55 a.m. to 7:40 a.m.
Cultural Immersion and Growth
By the third year, the school and community's interest had swelled to the point that Ms. Reek realized she needed to deepen her understanding of Norway and its traditions. She elevated the group's performance standard through discussions and interviews with Norwegians, although information about folk dancing remained scarce in recorded form. In the summer of 1964, she journeyed to Norway, dedicating seven weeks to firsthand research. She filmed folk dances, secured translations for the films, scoured costume shops, and recorded music.
Community Collaborators
Collaborators from the community played pivotal roles in refining these authentic folk performances. Shirley Ralph, of Welch ancestry, meticulously documented the music to accompany the dancers. While accordions were initially used, keyboardists now provide the musical backdrop. Alma Tenjem made significant contributions by reproducing, designing, embroidering, and crafting costumes. The initial costumes were entirely handmade in Stoughton, using materials readily available in the United States. Presently, bunads are still created in Stoughton, but all the patterns, fabrics, and threads hail from Norway, ensuring an authentically Norwegian touch. Even the shoes and jewelry are imported from Norway. The girls wear bunads representing various Norwegian districts, while the boys don a uniform attire.
Royal Performances and Global Tours
In 1968, they had the honor of dancing for King Olaf of Norway during his visit to Madison. Ms. Reek returned to Norway in 1971 for further research, and the following year, a pinnacle in the Dancers' career was reached as they were invited to perform in Norway, in and around Bergen and Oslo. With unwavering support from talented community members, school staff, and parents, the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers have become Stoughton's "Good Will Ambassadors." They've dazzled millions with their performances, touring extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Norway, while participating in numerous national folk festivals. Each spring ushers in a new journey for the Dancers to various corners of the country. To date, they've completed six tours in Norway.
Passing the Torch
Every year, numerous Stoughton students vie for the nine to ten openings in the group left vacant by graduating seniors. Membership in the Norwegian Dancers carries a high esteem among both students and the community. The group members take immense pride in sharing the rich traditions of Norway with their audience.
Bringing the Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers to Your Community
If you're intrigued by the idea of hosting the Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers in your community, please reach out to us for more information.
