Studying at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts: The Academy of Dance

Name: Sindre Berntsen
Age: 18
Programme: Bachelor in classical ballet, the Academy of Dance

Why did you choose the Oslo National Academy of the Arts?
Well, first of all, my parents weren’t really ready to let me go out into the world, but on the other hand the Academy was one of the top schools, so it probably would have been my first choice in any case. You get plenty of practice sessions here, and the teachers are fabulous! At the same time the programme also qualified me for other higher education. I was pretty young, only 15, when I moved from Bergen to study here, so the first year I lived with my uncle and aunt in Oppegård [outside of Oslo]. It was a good start, being able to live with family members. Later on I moved into a hall of residence, and now I live in a flat.

What were your expectations when you started?I imagined that the training would be much harder and more serious than I was used to. And it was, of course – my jaw almost dropped the first time I saw our weekly schedule! The days are long, intense and jam-packed with training, but with really great supervision and attention. You’re never neglected, no matter whether you’re the best in the class or not.

What is the best thing about the Academy?
Classical ballet is very isolated from the other programmes. We usually keep to the studio on the sixth floor, but the environment at the programme is fantastic. Everybody gets along, everybody is kind and wants the best for everyone else. The programme is well-organised, and you can really talk with your teacher or with other teachers if there’s something you’re not satisfied with. And of course, the cafeteria is also really good.

Who at the Academy has played the most crucial role for you in your studies?
At the classical ballet programme you have a single teacher each year, and she or he is the one who follows you and supervises you throughout the entire year. During my first year it was Tania Rodriguez – she was able to get me into the right position, so to speak, so I could find my centre of gravity, my anatomical base. But in general it was Jahn Magnus Johansen who’s been the greatest influence. He’s strict, and that was important. He was the one who made me understand how hard you have to work. You have to really grit your teeth! He’s really the one I owe everything. He’s totally committed! When I first started here, it felt a bit like, “Does this kid really belong here?” I weighed 37.5 kilos and was perhaps 1.64 or 1.65 metres tall – I was small, skinny and weak. But Jahn Magnus said, “Yes, he belongs here – there are plenty of good things about him!” And that’s how it turned out. At home there were a lot of people who thought I was suffering from an eating disorder, but I wasn’t, of course, it’s just that I’ve always had a hard time putting on weight. I went from two to six hours of training a day and I grew quickly – 14 centimetres in just four months! Growing that quickly and training so much put a strain on my body. And since I wasn’t all that strong, I was often injured. I worked a lot with the physio, Kaja Sætre, to increase my stability and prevent injuries, and I was given extra exercises that took over two hours to do, three times a week. And when people see me and ask what happened between my first and third years, the answer is Jahn Magnus. He’s been amazing. I’ve worked so hard, because Jahn Magnus is never satisfied, but I thought to myself, crikey, I’m not satisfied either until Jahn Magnus says it’s okay. But now I forgot to mention my second- and third-year teachers – I certainly hope that doesn’t tick them off!

How would you describe life at the Academy to someone who’s thinking of applying?
Above all that it’s super nice here. The environment here is good, and the supervision is top notch. You spend plenty of time with the teachers and the company [i.e., the dancers from the National Ballet], and the facilities are incredible. When I compare the Academy with the major schools out there, I would definitely have chosen the Academy all over again.

What are your dreams for the future?
When I began, my dream was to become part of a company, and now I’m part of the National Ballet’s youth section! Actually, there are no less than four of us from the class who’ve been admitted there – Elise Nøkling-Eide, Astrid Lyngstad, Nora Elise Augustinius and myself – so that’s great. Of course, I dream of working my way up the ranks, being hired by the main company and becoming one of the elite dancers there. And later on, perhaps a move abroad?

What do you always have with you?
This net! My ballet shoes are here, something to eat, my water bottle, my foot roller ... and, of course: chocolate milk! I always have chocolate milk with me.