Performing at Beautiful Træna

Far out along the Helgeland coast, surrounded by ocean, dramatic mountains and tiny islands, you’ll find Træna – one of Norway’s oldest fishing communities and one of the most unique places I have ever had the opportunity to visit.

Every summer, this small island community transforms into Trænafestivalen, bringing people all the way out towards the open sea to experience music, art, nature and festival life in a setting unlike almost anywhere else.

This time, I travelled there with Sa_G, an artist I work with as both choreographer and dancer. We were performing at the festival, and from the journey out to the island, the entire experience already felt like a little adventure.

It’s difficult to describe Træna without talking about the nature. The ocean surrounds you, mountains rise dramatically from the landscape, and there is a very particular feeling that comes with being this far out on the northern Norwegian coast.

And the weather definitely reminds you where you are. It can be cold, windy and change within minutes – even in the middle of summer. But somehow, that only became part of the charm.

I honestly don’t think I have ever enjoyed myself this much at a festival before.

There was something about the combination of the people, the music, the nature, the journey and getting to step on stage and do what I love in such an extraordinary place. Trænafestivalen felt less like simply travelling somewhere to perform – and more like becoming part of an experience of its own.

Watch the video below to see my journey and experience.