"Contemporary dance is free in its form; it develops constantly and is largely unexplored. That is what makes it interesting."
Johannes Öhman has been the ballet director at the Göteborg Opera since 2007. Under his direction the ballet has claimed a prominent position as the foremost contemporary dance company in the Nordic countries. "I want us to create and perform pieces that touch people, that are of current interest, grounded in reality, and have a strong connection to society at large. Modern dance is sensitive to changing trends."
During his time at the Göteborg Opera Johannes Öhman has already worked with a large number of well-known choreographers. To mention a few: Wim Vandekeybus, Jo Strømgren, Johan Inger, Alexander Ekman, Cristina Caprioli, Kenneth Kvarnström and Gunilla Heilborn. The choreographers usually create unique pieces for the ballet.
"I often initiate the basic idea or a theme. It might also begin with a feeling such as grief or fear. But I never tell the choreographers how they should work with the theme or what their final goal should be."
"As far as I know there isn't one single ballet director out there who doesn't have a background as a dancer.” Johannes Öhman
Watch a film from "Black Biist", dance performance by Wim Vandekeybus, which was part of the double bill Decadence (Dekadens) in 2009
Inspiration from books, films, and YouTube.
"It's important to be aware of what's being performed on other stages and to experience it live. But most choreographers have good websites or can be found on YouTube, so I don't have to travel around the world to find inspiration."
Johannes Öhman has a clear vision of what he wants the Göteborgs Ballet to be and to deliver, in-house, in the region and internationally. "But," he says, "it can be a delicate balancing act. There must be room for pieces that are a challenge. At the same time we need to produce pieces that appeal to a large audience. We create our own unique productions and it is through them that we will make ourselves known in the rest of the world."
The great in the small.
Johannes Öhman is happy about the variety that the Göteborg Opera has to offer. The Small Stage and the touring performances provide an important complement to the 500 m2 of the Main Stage. "On the smaller stages we can give the choreographers free reign to experiment and inquirie with an open mind” he says. "It is often in this way that new forms of developing and improving the dance are found. Not all pieces benefit from the big arenas. It is sometimes important to have a closer contact with the audience."
The largest contemporary dance company in the Nordic countries.
The Göteborg Ballet is comprised of 40 dancers. Johannes Öhman sees many advantages in having a permanent ensemble. "In this form of dance it is necessary that thers is a trusting relationship between the dancer and the choreographer. The dancers need to have the courage to improvise and to be assertive in the working process. The choreographer must let them do this while at the same time leading the work forwards."
Award-winning soloist.
Johannes Öhman has a long career as a dancer behind him. He has been a soloist at The Royal Ballet in Stockholm and Basler Ballet in Switzerland and has won prominent international awards. He has also worked as a dance teacher at Cullbergbaletten and the University College of Dance (Balettakademien) in Stockholm. For five years, 2002-2007, he was the creative director for Stockholm 59° North, a contemporary dance ensemble with soloists from The Royal Ballet.
"As far as I know there isn't one single ballet director out there who doesn't have a background as a dancer. It's definitely an advantage, maybe even a basic prerequisite,” he says.
Meet all the dancers in the Göteborg Ballet.
