Gold among the fir trees

Eli Mari Bakke Halvorsen wanted to take the opportunity to take both Sara and Maria to the concert in Tussero, where her son Magnus (left) is going. They were very satisfied with the experience and thought it had been entertaining. (Photo: Arve Ullebø)

The morning sun peeks through the spruce trees. About 200 children are waiting for gold in their mouths.

They probably don't know that it's a world premiere they're about to attend, where they sit on stumps and roots in the dry forest floor at Tussero kindergarten. But that's it. The young artists have never had such a program for young children before. Lars Fivelstad Smaaberg has taught folk dancing in gym classes for schoolchildren, and Helga Myhr has played concerts for children, but they are excited to see how it will work with that. Førdefestivalen now they have challenged them to work together.

Tussero, Vieåsen kindergarten is idyllically located on a hillside. Paths wind between tall fir trees and playground equipment made from natural materials. A stump is carved into a chair, ready for a swing or a swing, a log has been turned into a horse, and under the tall grass on a small mound is a mysterious door. Who would believe what lies behind it!

With beautiful, long hair, Helga Myhr captivated the audience at Tussero Vieåsen kindergarten. (Photo: Arve Ullebø)

The biggest kids run around and explore everything, because today everyone is welcome, not just those who are stuck in this kindergarten. But by nine o'clock, most of them have sat down on the ground in the natural amphitheater in front of a round wooden platform. Now it gets exciting. Can nearly 200 children between zero and seven years old follow what is about to happen?

Then Helga comes walking with nice, calm notes from the Hardanger fiddle she holds under her chin. No big things, just these long, dreamy notes, which make it easy to think that it's a peaceful place here. The kids are sitting like birds.

Then Lars stepped forward and began to tell: Once upon a time there was a shop owner who was on the stilt in the summer...

Lars Fivelstad Smaaberg got the kids involved in a 'long dance' between the spruce branches. (Photo: Arve Ullebø)

He speaks clearly and slowly, so that everyone can understand, even if he uses his dialect. Because here is the common thread of the program: Budeia saw three shiny, fine oxen on the embankment, which did not belong to her livestock. How was she supposed to get them to go away?

The answer is of course song and dance. Helga and Lars dance to their own tune, round and round on the platform, it sways and sways. And indeed it seems so! The oxen disappear. But the next morning they are there again…

Helga Myhr and the children who want to join in dancing the 'hunting dance'. (Photo: Arve Ullebø)

A new dance is needed. Helga plays and Lars kicks off a dance – or 'laus' as they call it where he comes from. His arms are muscular, his hair flips nicely when he throws it over his neck, and his black leather boots slam authoritatively on the platform. Now the bulls must understand that they have to get away! But no, it's clear that stronger music is needed here, and Lars invites the children to join in – first by singing the hunting song. They have to teach him bit by bit. The lyrics are straightforward enough: deidadidadideidadidå, and the kids quickly pick up the melody too.

Lars Fivelstad Smaaberg and the children listen after the cave dance. (Photo: Arve Ullebø)

But there is still not enough hunting, and Lars asks if any of the children would like to come forward and dance the 'hunting dance'. A bunch of eager hands go up in the air, and then it becomes a 'long dance' between the spruce branches. This is one of the oldest Norwegian folk dances, Helga Myhr tells us afterwards.

Helga Myhr plays and Lars Fivelstad Smaaberg shows the children how to dance. (Photo: Marianne Lystrup)

She is pleased with the response and noted that the children were good at singing. Now they just need to summarize the premiere, then they are ready for another round with children in two other kindergartens this week.

And when we stroll out of Tussero with gold in our mouths, we hear two girls sitting on a swing, rocking and singing: deidadidadideidadidå.

Marianne Lystrup
ml@skriveliv.no