People of DansiT: Nina Wollny
People of DansiT is a portrait series featuring the people in and around DansiT. Today, we meet freelance dance artist Nina Wollny.
– What are you doing at DansiT at the moment?
– I’m a member of DansiT and a freelance dance artist based in Trondheim, so I’m quite closely connected to DansiT. Today I took part in a workshop on audio description, which was excellent. I’m also about to begin a residency at Svartlamon, where I’ll be developing a new project called Care and Carrying, combining dance and singing.
– What inspires you these days?
– After today’s workshop, I’m feeling very inspired by collaboration between people from different backgrounds. Some participants were visually impaired, others were not. Working with different bodies, experiences and perspectives is incredibly enriching, and I’ve learned so much. I’m inspired by the idea that we all have bodies and that we are all dancers, and by how I can share what I know with as many different bodies and perspectives as possible.
– Why did you choose to work with dance?
– It actually happened by chance. I started ballet because my father thought I needed to build more muscle. The plan was for me to become a doctor like him, but after attending a couple of auditions, I was accepted into a dance programme. After graduating, I worked with the same choreographer for 13 years. It wasn’t until after I had my first child that I realised I wanted to dance for the rest of my life. For me, dance is the best way I can contribute to society.
– What would you be doing if you didn’t work in the performing arts?
– I had the grades to study medicine, and I also loved languages. But I don’t think that kind of work would have suited me very well. If I sit still or concentrate for too long, I get tired. So I think dance was absolutely the right choice for me.
– What are you looking forward to this summer?
– I’m going on a road trip to visit my parents in Germany with my partner and our children. I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and simply being together. As a freelance artist, it’s difficult to take a real holiday because it also means losing income, which can be stressful. What I’m looking forward to most is taking a break from constantly thinking about work and finances.
– What is your relationship with DansiT?
– I’m very grateful that DansiT exists. When I moved to Trondheim, I didn’t know where to find the dance community, but then I discovered DansiT. They approach dance in a way that has always interested me—more inclusive, more exploratory, and more willing to take conceptual risks. I’m happy to have found a place where I can continue learning, even after many years as a dancer.