Movement as memory – place as responsibility

10 years of movement, resistance and emergence

IN2IT International Dance Festival marks ten years of presence, resistance and emergence. “A Thousand Steps, One Place” is a reflection on every step we have taken – not just as a festival, but as a living and breathing force for cultural change.

Over the past decade, we have crossed boundaries of identity, language and tradition, carrying with us the necessity of dance as a social practice – a practice that listens, that speaks, that builds. This year, we turn our attention to the place we stand: Kristiansund, a place in transformation, where art is not a luxury, but a necessity in shaping who we are together.

IN2IT is more than a celebration – it is a commitment to infrastructure as inclusion, to shared spaces, to culture as a collective responsibility. As new institutions emerge, as new networks form, we ask: What future are we building? Who are we building it for?

In every movement we carry memory. In every gathering we take place. “A Thousand Steps, One Place” is a call to recognize the work of art, the dignity of collaboration, and the power of standing still long enough for something to take root.

This is not just a place we arrive at – it is a place we create.

In2IT 2024: Sol Invictus by Herve Koubi, photo: Nathalie Sternalski

Ten years in dialogue

When we started in 2016, our ambition was to create a festival that could be more than a performance venue. We wanted to bring together voices, bodies and stories in a space where dance not only entertains, but opens conversations and builds community.

Since then, IN2IT has grown to become a meeting place for both local and international artists. The festival has become a space for collaboration, representation and a continuous exploration of what dance can mean in dialogue with society.

The best words about IN2IT always come from those who participate.

Over the years, artists, audiences and partners have shared experiences that show what the festival is really about:

“This festival is a reminder that differences are not something to be overcome, but something we can build on.”

— Eigunn Stav Sætre, director, Nordmøre Museum

"Dancing in Festiviteten, surrounded by the audience on three sides, was a completely new experience. It made us feel like we were part of something bigger."

— Julia Hagedal Ferra, dancer, Operaen Dansekompanie

"As someone new to dance, I felt both welcomed and inspired. The workshops were so accessible."

— Viktoria Honcharenko, local dancer

To mark our anniversary, we've gathered moments from a decade of dance, community, and transformation. Watch the film and celebrate with us:

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/79d535_6faa55d0d4bb4fee8d1eec0f78481f06/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

🎥✨10 years in motion

From pilot project to regional initiative

In 2022, we launched Short Stories — an initiative to strengthen the choreographic ecosystem in Møre og Romsdal. The idea was simple: to create encounters between young dancers and professional artists, and to build an environment where new voices can emerge.

The first pilot was small — one company, three workshops — but the learning curve was steep. The experience gave us valuable insight into both the capacity and needs of the region.

Now we are taking the next step. This year's edition includes dancers from Trøndertun Folk High School, the dance department and Molde Dansekompani. With their participation, the project is clearly rooted in the region, while at the same time opening up the opportunity to challenge and expand the boundaries further.

Short Stories 2024, Foto: Odd Inge Teige

A new chapter in Normoria

After many years with Festiviteten as our main venue, we are now moving into Normoria. It is a space that opens up new possibilities — both artistically and for the audience.

This transition marks a turning point. We bring with us the experiences, memories, and steps from the last decade, and enter a new chapter with a holistic framework for artistic encounters.

Here, this year's theme — Movement as Memory – Place as Responsibility — can truly unfold.

Ten years is a long journey. But we also see that the journey has only just begun. IN2IT's first decade has been marked by courage, collaboration, and exploration — and we look forward to seeing where the next steps will take us.

Welcome to IN2IT's 10th anniversary!

Kind regards

Tendai MakurumbandiFestival leader