The Christmas Revels in Houston in December 2006 focused on Norway and the Nordic countries - and Karelia in Northwestern Russia. The Norwegian dance troupe Småjondølane played an important part. Nearly 3000 people attended the performances. The Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Houston was one of the main sponsors of the event.
The Christmas Revels in Houston 2006 was a journey north - to the region of Norway and the other Scandinavian countries, Finland, Iceland and Karelia in Northwestern Russia – to the wintry lands of ancient forests, valleys, frozen lakes and small villages. The folk dances of Norway were performed by the Norwegian dance champions Karin W. Brennesvik and Tom Løvli who along with Eivind Bakken are members of the Norwegian dance troupe Småjondølane. The music was performed by the Hardanger fiddlers Toby Weinberg and fiddler Eden MacAdam-Somer.
Karin W. Brennevik has been Norwegian champion in folk dance twice and has won many competitions in couple dances (Springar and Gangars). Tom Løvlie has also won many competitions, including The Norwegian Championship for his performance of the Halling dance, known as one of the most athletic dances in the world and requiring exceptional strength.
The Karelian performance was by the Karelian Folk Music Ensemble of Northwestern Russia. The performance included music from the three main cultures of the Karelian region – Finnish, Russian and Karelian.
The Christmas Revels 2006 took place at Rebecca and John Moores Opera House at the University of Houston.
Revels Houston is affiliated with the Revels Inc. based in Cambridge, Massachusetts which was founded in 1970 to promote education, understanding and appreciation of traditional music, dance and drama. Revels Houston produces musical theatres celebrating seasonal changes with traditional music, dance processionals, children’s games, drama and rituals. There are Midsummer Revels, Spring Revels, Sea Revels, Harvest Revels and the Christmas Revels. The Christmas Revels focuses on Winter Solstice – the shortest day of the year and the turning point in nature’s annual cycle of the seasons.