Elen Øyen is the first professional dancer with a disability to hold a permanent position at a Norwegian cultural institution.

After years of internships, temporary positions, and substitute work, she has now secured a permanent role at DansiT.

“This means the world to me. I get paid to do what I love most: dance,” Øyen says.

At DansiT, she engages with dance in many ways: performing in the Danselaboratoriet, writing about dance, giving lectures, and working choreographically and pedagogically. She describes her work as giving her purpose, mastery, freedom, and integrity.

“I can define my own dance instead of following a choreographer’s instructions. It gives me a sense of ownership over my body and my art,” she explains.

Øyen joined Danselaboratoriet in 2005, a Trondheim-based company of dancers with and without disabilities. Dance became a key form of self-expression for her.

“Instead of explaining who I am or what my disability means, I can show it on stage. Dance makes diversity visible. At DansiT, I am seen as a complete, competent person, and my disability is a resource, not a burden,” she says.

In April, Øyen will debut her first solo at the Multiplié Dance Festival. Interdependance explores how her movements have developed over her life, especially in relation to her wheelchair.

“I was born with spina bifida and have used a wheelchair since age four. The wheelchair allows me to live freely and independently. At the same time, it’s a partner in a mutual relationship,” she explains.

Through lectures, performances, and social media, Øyen actively promotes the rights of people with disabilities.

“The wheelchair is often seen as a symbol of sadness. For me, it is essential to my freedom. That’s what I want to show in the performance,” she concludes.

More about Øyen’s performance:
More about the Multiplié Dance Festival, April 21–25, 2026: