Kari Hoaas

Kari Hoaas is Professor in the Department of Performing Arts at Kristiania University of Applied Sciences' School of Arts, Design and Media. She is an active Norwegian choreographer whose work bridges academic dance practice with professional performance creation. Her research and artistic output focuses on contemporary dance forms, site-specific installations, and digital dance documentation.

Her primary research interests include dance choreography, contemporary dance practices, site-specific performance creation, digital dance film production, and the intersection of dance with social issues. Her work often explores the relationship between nature and movement, as seen in her 'Be Like Water' series inspired by Bruce Lee's philosophy, and responds to contemporary challenges like the pandemic through works such as 'the distant episodes' series.

Hoaas' recent artistic output demonstrates a strong trend toward digital adaptation of dance works, particularly during the pandemic period, with numerous dance films and online performances. Her 'Shadowland' series has been particularly successful, receiving multiple awards and festival selections internationally. Her work often utilizes unconventional spaces - from empty office buildings to urban environments - creating dance that responds to specific locations and contemporary social contexts.

• Best Dance Film Short, Mannheim Arts and Film Festival (2023)
• Finalist at Braga International Video Dance Festival (2023)
• Best Dance Film Edit at Florence Dance On Screen Festival (2023)
• Official Selection at multiple international dance film festivals (2022-2023)
• Featured in The New York Times and The New Yorker for 'the distant episodes' series

Hoaas actively mentors BA contemporary dance students at Kristiania, incorporating them into professional productions like 'HEAT #5 rising in Oslo.' Her work has received substantial funding from Arts Council Norway, the Norwegian Department of Foreign Affairs, and the City of Oslo. She collaborates with international venues including LaMaMa in New York, DansiT in Trondheim, and Vitlycke Center for Performing Arts in Sweden. Her artistic practice includes both traditional stage performances and innovative digital dance works, demonstrating adaptability and responsiveness to changing artistic contexts and challenges.