halling

Halling is a traditional Norwegian folk dance from the Hallingdal region. It is most commonly performed as a solo number by a male dancer, though regional practices vary and female or mixed performances occur in some contexts. The halling is known for its athleticism and improvisational character, combining rapid footwork, stamping, and high leaps. A hallmark of the dance is the display of strength and agility, often framed as a playful challenge to a spectator or partner, and it is closely related to the hallingspringar, a couple dance from the same regional tradition.

Music for a halling is traditional Norwegian folk music, typically played on fiddles such as the hardanger fiddle, with a lively tempo that supports the dancer's swift rhythms and leaps.

Historically, the halling arose in rural communities in eastern-central Norway, with strong associations to the Hallingdal region. It has been passed down through generations in community gatherings, weddings, and seasonal celebrations, and has been preserved by folk dance groups and cultural organizations.

In contemporary practice, halling continues to be taught in folk dance schools, performed at festivals, and presented as part of Norway's cultural heritage. Variants and related forms, such as the hallingspringar, reflect differences in tempo, partnering, and technique while retaining shared regional roots.

See also: hallingspringar.