Sandviken Spinners
Who: Issa’s Dance Company
What: Strengthen the breakdancing / dance community in Bergen
Where: Bergen, Norway
Project period: 2024
About the project
This project aims to strengthen the breakdancing / dance community in Bergen by offering aweekly, free, and accessible workshop for children and young people. The workshops will create a low-threshold environment where participants can come and go as they wish, making it easy for everyone to join, regardless of their schedule or experience level.
The workshops will primarily focus on breakdancing (b-boying/b-girling) but will also incorporateelements from other dance styles in HipHop, allowing participants to explore a variety of movements and techniques. These sessions will provide a safe and welcoming space for young people to express themselves, improve their dance skills, and connect with others who share the same passion.In addition to the weekly workshops, the project will organize three major dance events throughout 2025. These events are a key part of the project, as they will serve as a major source of motivation for the young dancers to continue developing their skills. By participating in these events, the children and teens will have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with other dancers, both nationally and internationally, broadening their networks and gaining inspiration from diverse dance cultures. These events will not only be a chance to showcase their talents but will also provide an exciting and supportive platform for growth, encouraging participants to push themselves further in their dance journey.
The project is led by Piero Issa, a highly experienced dancer who has been active in the breaking scene since 1999. Piero is passionate about passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of dancers. Through this initiative, he hopes to inspire and empower young people in Bergen, helping them build confidence, make new connections, and stay motivated to pursue their dance dreams
About the organisation
Issa's Dance Company is a dynamic and inclusive dance organization based in Bergen, founded by Piero Issa, a recipient of the State Artist Grant (Statens Kunstnerstipend). With over 20 years of experience in the breakdancing community, Issa was a founding member of the group Absence, with whom he won the Norwegian Championship in breakdancing (NM i Breaking). He has also created numerous performances in collaboration with major institutions like Den Nationale Scene (DNS), FIB, and Riksteatret, among others.
Issa’s passion for dance goes beyond performance; he is deeply committed to sharing the joy he hasfound through dance with young people. Through Issa’s Dance Company, he organizes workshopsand events in Bergen, providing children and teens with opportunities to explore dance and express themselves. Issa has also toured with Den Kulturelle Skolesekken, reaching children and young audiences across Norway, and has served as a jury member for Scenekunstbruket, a nationwide award for children's and youth theatre, as well as the Puff Prize in Fargespill, which honors exceptional contributions to youth performance arts with immigrants background.
Issa’s vision is to help young people experience the same joy, discipline, and sense of self-expression he has found through dance. He also aims to introduce dancers who wish to explore the broader world of performing arts, with dance as their gateway to opportunities in scenography, theatre, and beyond. Issa's Dance Company also organized the successful "Ka E Hip Hop" festival in Bergen, further contributing to the city's vibrant dance culture. Through his work, Issa continues to inspire, empower, and support the next generation of dancers, fostering a strong and creative community both locally and nationally.
