These costumes were all hand-made by the women wearing them. The floral embroidery on the hats, shawls and skirts was gorgeous. They also had special silvery necklaces and belts. The skirt and shawl fabric is black wool, and I heard a comment that they were a little too warm for a spring evening. 
The men's costumes were also hand-made (by the women, of course). One woman told me she made her own outfit, two more for her daughters, and also her husband's suit (similar to the one on the left below). I mentioned that the suit must have been the most complicated and difficult and she replied "Sixty-two buttonholes!". 
A piano and violin provided the music for dancing - check out the beautiful custom-made violin below. 
On another night, we were treated to a chorus - again of an amateur group (the Blandakoret Vivace) who perform for the pleasure of it. They sang a few folk songs and also some show tunes, but the hit of the evening was their rendition of a folk song our fearless leader Jonny had taught us "Per fiddler, he had but the one only cow - he traded his cow for a fiddle right now...." Of course, they sang it in Norwegian and as a round - wonderful!
Topping off each of these evenings, most of the performers stayed for coffee and cake with our group. They were as interested in learning about us as we were about them, and we had some friendly and lively conversations. It was no problem communicating, since all Norwegians know at least some English and enjoy practicing it. It is taught as a second language in all elementary schools.Coming up next - a trip up (or is it down?) a fjord.
1 comment:
I didn't know people danced for fun. Makes no sense to me.
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