Alan Øyen is a dancer, educated at Oslo National Academy of the Arts in 2001, but quickly began to choreograph and create his own works. By 2006 he had established his company, Winter Guests. Alan has won several awards, both for his choreography works and his theatre productions. Among his greatest merits is Neues Stück II, which he choreographed for the world famous Tanztheater Wuppertal, Pina Bausch.
Where are you now, and what’s the status quo?
I’m in Bergen with my sister. All current projects have been put on pause, and moved years ahead. I’ve been here since the closing down of France. I haven’t been this long in one place in years(!).
What sort of routines have you made for yourself?
Bad ones… I find it really difficult to stick to routines and make use of all my time. The days have never been «shorter», they fly by. I get up and go to bed way too late, and try not to judge myself too harshly for that. I have periods where I’m more structured and motivated, and periods where I can’t do anything, and feel depressed.
What are you reading?
Linn Ullmann’s Unquiet.
What are you watching?
«Old» movies from the eighties, as well as youtube tutorials about all the software I have and don’t make use of.
What are you listening to?
A surprisingly small amount of music. Only when I work, or write emails. At those times I play «Canto Ostinato», which I’ve been listening to for over a year now.
How do you move?
I run.
What inspirer you?
The view of the sky from the backyard balcony, and the thought of everything that should have been done, that I think I might do, but normally don’t.
If you could send out a message that would reach everyone in the world, what would you say?
There is beauty in waiting.