A Thousand Steps – One Place: Reflections on Ten Years of In2IT

An interview with Opera Chief Line Lønning Andresen

As In2IT International Dance Festival celebrates it`s 10th anniversary, we look back at a decade that brought the world of dance to Kristiansund-and taken Kristiansund to the world.

Opera chief Line Lønning reflects on how the festival has shaped the city´s cultural identity, fostered collaboration across institutions, and inspired both audiences and dancers. From unforgettable performances like Hervé Koubi´s Sol Invictus to the creation of new initiatives such as Dansekraft, the festival´s journey tells a story of artistic growth, international connection and local pride.

Opera Chief Line Lønning

Q: What do you think has been In2ITs greatest impact on Kristiansund over these past ten years?

A: In2IT has truly put Kristiansund on the map, even beyond Norway. We are incredibly priviliged to experience professional dance of such high quality and diversity right here in our city. The festival brings inspiration and new knowledge to everyone working with dance in Kristiansund.

Q: How has the festival helped to position Kristiansund both nationally and internationally?

A: The fact that Kristiansund hosts an international dance festival of In2Its calibre, alongside institutions like the Opera, shows that this is a true cultural city-with a capital C. Visitors from Norway and abroad can experience performing arts of high quality that are still deeply rooted locally. Our international guests can enjoy contemporary dance from all over the world on the beautiful and rugged west coast of Norway. Through collaborations with other festivals, dance companies and cultural institutions around the world, In2IT is becoming a recognized destination within the international dance community.

Q: Which moments or projects from the festival´s history stand out to you as especially memorable or important?

A: I`ve had the chance to experience so many wonderful, challenging and thought-provoking performances through In2IT-but Sol Invictus by Hervé Koubi stands at the very top. It was, quite simply, mind- blowing.

Q: How has the collaboration between the festival and the Opera developed over the years?

A: First of all, the performances that In2IT presents during the festvial are an important part of the Opera´s season programme. Dance has has been a focus area for the Opera in Kristiansund for more than forty years. Our Ballet Centre teaches over 350 students every day, and The Nutcracker is one of our flagship productions when it comes to presenting classical ballet.

We were absolutely thrilled when Tendai decided to move In2IT to Kristiansund. A close collaboration between the Opera and the festival was a natural continuation of our long-term commitment to dance. In 2024, we established Dansekraft – the regional competence centre for dance in Møre og Romsdal – as a subsidiary of the Opera. In2it is one of the key pillars of that initiative.

Q: Ten years is a milestone. What do you hope for the next decade of the festival?

A: I hope the festival continues to grow as a regional, national and international meeting place for dance — a space where new collaborations are born, young dancers find inspiration, and audiences experience artistic moments that truly move them. My hope is that In2IT continues to be both inclusive and innovative, just as it has been from the very beginning.

As In2IT celebrates a decade of movement, it stands as a reminder of how art connects people, places and time.

A thousand Steps — One place.