Torpo

Just a wild guess – but we’d bet the people of Torpo have stronger legs than most. With cycling, skiing, and folk dancing as part of daily life, it’s no wonder! Let’s start with the music, song and dancing that goes on here.

When it comes to dance, Torpo holds a special place in the hearts of Norwegian folk dancers. At the center of it all is Hugnadheim, a cultural house that has become a cornerstone of Norwegian folk dance. Every year, countless dance shoes are worn out here. Some for sure has belonged to Martin Myhr, a driving force behind folk dance in the region.

«There’s a thriving folk music and dance community here in Torpo,» says Martin, a six-time champion in Halling class A at the national folk music competition, Landskappleiken.

Martin has been dancing Halling since he was 12 and has performed on stages worldwide. Alongside his wife, Gunnlaug, he helps run Hugnadheim, a place just about every folk dancer in Norway knows of.

Every year, they host a major folk music festival with 80–90 teenagers from across the country. «It’s safe to say the sweat is pouring then!» Martin laughs.

Hugnadheim is steeped in history. Built in 1914, it’s not just a home for folk music and dance but also hosts village celebrations, birthday parties, confirmations, and community gatherings – a cherished meeting place in Torpo.

One of the many people who have spent time at Hugnadheim is Rebecca Lofft. Originally from California, USA, she has lived in Torpo for over 20 years. Her journey from sunny California to a small Norwegian village began with a deep-rooted passion for folk music and Torpo’s unique cultural scene.

«I actually have great-grandparents from here, so Norwegian culture was always important in my family. My grandmother played the piano and organ, and my mother played the violin,» she says in flawless Norwegian. Hallingdal dialect, of course.

Influenced by the Norwegian-American community, Rebecca’s mother switched from violin to Hardanger fiddle, and Rebecca followed in her footsteps.

«When it was time for college, I wanted to study Norwegian language, Hardanger fiddle, and classical music. So I attended St. Olaf College in Minnesota.»

A talented musician, Rebecca received a Fulbright Scholarship. She took the plunge, packed her bags, and traveled to Norway for a master’s degree in Norwegian folk music at Høgskulen i Telemark. During her final year, she lived with a fellow student from Ål. The talks piqued her curiosity about her roots; she still had family in Torpo.

«This is without a doubt a safe place to grow up,» says Rebecca. Both she and Martin agree that Torpo is of good size. Small enough that everyone knows each other, small enough that the shopkeeper will let you grab an item even after closing time, small enough that neighbors feed your cat while you’re away and that the whole community comes together for national celebrations and volunteer efforts.

«And the houses are way bigger and cheaper than in the city,» Martin chuckles.

Yet, Torpo is large enough to have its own school, kindergarten, grocery store, sports shop, and the beloved community hub, Hugnadheim, which plays a central role in local culture and youth activities.

No problem, according to the locals.

«We’re right between Oslo and Bergen, Norway’s two largest cities,» Rebecca explains.

«There’s a direct train to both, and the trip takes about three and a half hours. Plus, Torpo sits between the towns of Gol and Ål, which offer everything you need close by. Ål’s cultural center is fantastic, with a wide variety of events – it’s only a 15-minute drive away.»

Still, Rebecca finds her greatest joy at home.