Mouzafarov’s dancers have a long history with Hostfest, having performed at the festival since 1995. Their Ski Fantasy performance has been a popular part of Hostfest entertainment, and the dance will be back as part of a larger showcase by the institute this year.

Mouzafarov’s dancers will be performing about a 40-minute show each day, Wednesday through Saturday, at 5:20 p.m. Dancers dressed in Scandinavian style will bring back the Beer Barrel Polka of past years. Clara Crosland and Sylvie Schmechel will perform the Lutefisk Dance that had been introduced a few Hostfests ago.

Mouzafarov said he has added Scandinavian duets featuring advanced dancers Tayler Christianson and Branden Alvarez, Ashley Carr and Klay Lee, and Addison Pringle and Collin Robson.

The Ski Fantasy dancers are Ruby Lormejuste, Kaitlyn Klein, Kaydence Klein and Haleigh Carr.

Submitted Photo Partner dancers with Rinat Mouzafarov’s Institute of Dance & Ballet Theatre who will be among those performing at Norsk Hostfest are, left to right, Collin Robson, Addison Pringle. Tayler Christianson, Branden Alvarez, Ashley Carr and  Klay Lee, shown in this photo by Ron Rouse.

Institute dancers, ages 3 and older, will be participating in the traditional Parade of Norwegian Sweaters each day at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Performing with them will be accomplished accordionists Fred Isaak of Iowa and Art Bjorngjeld from Minnesota.

Over the years, Mouzafarov has worked with dancers who have come to Hostfest from Norway to perfect the Scandinavian folk dance techniques used in his choreography with his students. 

Mouzafarov said dance is part of the Scandinavian heritage that Hostfest offers, and it is important to teach that heritage to younger generations.