Rørospols (or pols from Røros) is a traditional dance from the Røros area in Sør-Trøndelag province in Norway.
Here it is being danced at Norway's national folk music and dance competition, NM i Folkemusikk 2009 (which combined Landskappleiken and Landsfestivalen) by Tom Sears and Margot Sollie.
Rørospols has an asymmetrical beat in three. This beat and the steps and patterns are specific to the Røros area of Norway. Variations of the dance exist in different parts of Røros. Look for the cartwheel, a show of strength and agility within the dance.
Tom and Margot are "Class A" Rørospols dancers, which means that they have won top scores dancing this particular dance in the "Class B" (Open/Adult) division in two separate years. A unique aspect of their partnership is that Sears is from the United States.
Very few Americans compete in Norway's national competition. Those that do have usually lived in Norway for a while and have actively participated in local folk music and dance groups for a number of years. In dance, they almost always have a long-term partnership with a native Norwegian dancer. Only a very few have ever attained Class A status as "Master dancers".
The tune being played is called "Lasskjorarleken (Freight Wagon Driver)" and is played on standard fiddle by (l to r) Mats Kuraas, Anna Lovise Solli, Ole Erik Feragen and Ole Jergen Tamnes.
