2013 Hardanger Fiddle Music and Dance Workshop

The HFAA's Annual Workshop offers a very special opportunity for getting to know Norwegian Hardanger fiddle music and dance traditions in depth. 

In 2013 our workshop focused on the elegant and soulful music and dance of Telemark, perhaps one of the best-known bygdedans traditions, both in Norway and abroad. 

We were thrilled to welcome Erling Halling (hardingfele), Ranveig Bakka (dance) and Tom Løvli (dance) as our guests from Norway. In addition, our experienced staff of North American hardingfele teachers, that includes Prof. Dan Trueman, Laura Ellestad and Sarah Nagell, presented the traditions from other hardingfele areas of Norway. We also offered beginner mentoring for those who have not played hardingfele before. We are dedicated to nurturing beginners and providing challenges for the more advanced. We invite you to come and join us in an environment that has been called "the warmest and most supportive in North America.”

Hardanger fiddle (hardingfele) classes: We offer four concurrent full-time classes to accommodate all levels from beginner to advanced, teaching a variety of Norwegian hardingfele traditions. Private sessions with our teachers are also available. Loaner instruments are available on advance request. Even if you have never tried the hardingfele before, you are welcome to join us!

Dance classes: Participants in the dance classes will have the opportunity to explore the depth and richness of the springar and gangar from Telemark with the delightful teaching team of Ranveig and Tom. This is a rare opportunity for dancers of all levels (whether children or adults, beginners, intermediate or advanced) to learn how to listen to the music, relate to the fiddler and partner and build a wonderful dance. 

Mini-classes & jam sessions: Kveding (traditional singing) classes offer you a chance to broaden your Norwegian folk music experience. Spontaneous jam sessions on various Scandinavian instruments may also happen.

Need to borrow a hardingfele?  Can you lend us a hardingfele? The HFAA's unique Hardingfele Loan Program allows students who do not have a hardingfele to borrow one for use during the workshop. The deadline to sign up for a loaner instrument is June 20 (see the workshop registration form). Read more about this program here. If you have a hardingfele that you are willing to lend, please indicate that on the registration form or, if you are not attending the workshop, write to: President (at) hfaa (dot) org to arrange for safe travel for your instrument.

Folklore Village is the setting for all workshop activities. Located on the edge of a restored prairie 35 minutes west of Madison, Wisconsin, Folklore Village offers a perfect venue for hardingfele and dance classes, concerts, lectures, and dance parties. Beautiful, air-conditioned Farwell Hall includes a spacious sprung wood dance floor and separate classrooms for fiddle instruction. Across the road, Plum Grove Church (1882) offers excellent acoustics for small lectures or classes. Bunkhouses offer simple accommodations, as does the tenting area. For those who want more privacy or air conditioning, there are motels nearby in Dodgeville.

Children and Teens: Children and teens are welcome, as HFAA endeavors to promote the appreciation of traditional music and dance among younger generations! Children who have the ability to participate in music and dance activities may attend the classes. There are no childcare facilities available, so parents should be prepared to watch their children and work cooperatively with other parents. Advance registration is required for all children. Teenagers are welcome to attend without a parent, but they must have an adult chaperone. To make arrangements, please contact the Workshop Chair at workshopchair@hfaa.org.

Click here for 2013 workshop staff information.