CODA aims to support the development of choreography as an academic discipline in Norway. Creative Lab 2025 provides seven choreographers with guidance and time to develop their own creative processes. Five regional dance competence centers each nominate a young choreographer and cover their workshop participation. An additional two are selected through an open call.

The first Creative Lab in 2018-2019 was a rich experience for the eight dance artists who participated. The choreographer group held annual meetings over four days, working with mentor Fin Walker. In collaboration with Bærum Cultural Center, CODA repeated the program in 2020-2021 and 2022-2023, where mentor Fin Walker during the pandemic managed to guide the choreographers via Zoom.

During the 2022-2023 program, we were finally back to live meetings, and it was great to have Fin and the choreographers together in the studio. The main theme for 2024-2025 was choreographic exploration, and the workshop concludes with a studio presentation during CODA 2025.

Creative Lab is organized in collaboration with Bærum Cultural Center, with support from Davvi, DansiT, Bergen Dance Center, Dance in Østfold, and RAS – Regional Competence Center for Dance in Rogaland.

Mentor: Fin Walker

The English choreographer, with extensive experience in contemporary dance, film, theater, and opera, facilitates exploration and exchange through a combination of physical practice, feedback, and reflection. The program includes both individual work and group work. Walker uses Liz Lerman’s feedback technique to develop physical and verbal awareness, tailoring the program to each dance artist’s skills and goals.

http://finwalker.co.uk

Fin Walker created a safe framework and an arena for openness that has fostered both personal and professional development. I am left with great gratitude for having been part of Creative LAB, and I highly recommend it to others.
– Margrethe Nandrup Rylander

• Participants 2025:
  • Maria Lothe
  • Michael Aspli
  • Brita Grov
  • Mina Nybøle
  • Johanne Sundfør
  • Mai Elin Løkken
• Participants 2022-2023:
  • Eva Svaneblom
  • Veslemøy Miranda Frengstad
  • Sara Enger Larsen
  • Jean-Baptiste Baele
  • Hilde Ingeborg Sandvold
  • Marit Loe Bjørnstad
  • Cesilie Kverneland
• Participants 2020-2021:
  • Carl Andre Johansson
  • Judith Arupa
  • Live Skullerud
  • Marie Rechsteiner
  • Martijn Joling
  • Roskva Yasmin Andersen
  • Thomas Voll
• Participants 2018-2019:
  • Rina Rosenqvist
  • Margrethe Nandrup Rylander
  • Carl Aquilizan
  • Camilla Fjeldhaug
  • Maya Mi Samuelsen
  • Julie Steinjord Mjøen
  • Hanna Våge Skjeggestad
  • Lisa Colette Bysheim