Helene Spilling (born 17 April 1996) is a Norwegian professional dancer. She is best known for her appearances on Skal vi danse, the Norwegian edition of Dancing with the Stars. As a competitive dancer, she won the Norwegian dance championship 17 times, and represented Norway in European and world tournaments.
Helene Spilling | |
|---|---|
| Born | 17 April 1996 Gjerdrum, Norway |
| Occupation | Dancer • TV personality |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Known for | Skal vi danse |
| Height | 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Partner | Martin Ødegaard |
Early life
editHelene Spilling[1] was born on 17 April 1996[2] in Gjerdrum,[3] to Anne Stenseth Spilling and Pieter Spilling.[4] Her eyes were opened to dance when, at a young age, she would watch Skal vi danse at home.[5] Spilling began to dance at the age of 12, progressing quickly as she showcased her potential.[6] Before deciding to pursue a career in dance, she also had an interest in gymnastics and excelled in many other sports.[7]
Competitive dance career
editIn 2011, Spilling danced competitively for the first time with Christian Skibsrud. They won the NM in Latin and 10-dance. The following year, they competed in the U19 category and won a gold medal in ballroom dancing.
Between 2013 and 2017, she won twelve NM titles in the U19, U21 and adult classes with Jonas Pettersen.[8][9] She and Pettersen were the winners of the Kongepokal in 2017.[10]
In 2017, Spilling moved to Lithuania alone to venture further with a new dance partner, Dominykas Granskas, who hailed from the country. Representing Norway, they competed in both European and world tournaments for the Lillestrøm-based dance school LSKdans, and in 2018 became the Northern European Champions in standard dance. In addition to this, they contested in the Latin and 10-dance categories and made it to the quarter-finals in Grand Slam competitions.[11] Spilling and Granskas were honoured at the 2019 "Dance Awards" in Norway, receiving the "Duo of the Year" prize. [12] In total, Spilling secured 17 gold medals, four silver medals and two bronze medals from the NM throughout her time competing. After two and a half years in Lithuania, she returned to Norway.
Skal vi danse
editIn 2020, Spilling received an offer to be one of the professional dancers in the forthcoming season of Skal vi danse. In her debut season, she partnered television personality and presenter Nate Kahungu. They finished as runners-up to Andreas Wahl and Mai Mentzoni.[13]
In her second season the following year, she was paired with journalist Simon Nitsche. They won the 17th season of Skal vi danse, triumphing against Magnus Moan and Ewa Trela.[14][15][16][17]
In the 2022 Skal vi danse: All Stars season, Spilling was partnered with former swimmer Aleksander Hetland. They finished in 3rd place after a dance-off against Jørgine Massa Vasstrand and Santino Mirenna in the semi-final.[18][19]
In the 2023 season of Skal vi danse, Spilling was paired with stylist Harlem Alexander.[20] They ended in 4th place after a dance-off against Alexandra Joner and Ole Thomas Hansen in the quarter-final.[21][22]
| Year | Season | Partner | Place | Average score | Total points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 16 | Nate Kahungu | 2nd | 35.81 | 573 |
| 2021 | 17 | Simon Nitsche | 1st | 28.31 | 453 |
| 2022 | 18 | Aleksander Hetland | 3rd | 26.17 | 314 |
| 2023 | 19 | Harlem Alexander | 4th | 25.70 | 257 |
Season 16 (2020): with Nate Kahungu
edit| Week no. | Dance | Song | Judges' scores | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salsa | "Gettin' Jiggy wit It" | 7 + 7 + 7 + 6 | 27 | No elimination |
| 2 | Foxtrot | "When You're Smiling" | 8 + 8 + 8 + 9 | 33 | Safe |
| 3 | Cha Cha Cha | "Men in Black" | 6 + 7 + 6 + 7 | 26 | Safe |
| 4 | Show dance | "Axel F" | 9 + 9 + 10 + 10 | 38 | Safe |
| 5 | Rumba | "Demons" | 9 + 8 + 9 + 9 | 35 | Safe |
| 6 | Viennese waltz | "Neverland" | 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 | 28 | Eliminated |
| 7 | Show dance | "Ghettoparasitt" | 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 | 40 | Safe (return) |
| 8 | Samba | "Bun Up the Dance" | 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 | 36 | Safe |
| 9 | Pasodoble | "Heads Will Roll" | 9 + 9 + 10 + 9 | 37 | Safe |
| 10 | Quickstep | "Halo / Walking on Sunshine" | 8 + 8 + 9 + 9 | 34 | Safe |
| 10 | Argentine tango | "Human" | 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 | 40 | Safe |
| 11 | Jive | "Take on Me" | 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 | 40 | Safe |
| 11 | Tango | "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back" | 9 + 10 + 10 + 10 | 39 | Safe |
| 12 | Argentine tango | "Human" | 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 | 40 | Safe |
| 12 | Foxtrot | "La Vie en rose" | 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 | 40 | Safe |
| 12 | Show dance | "Dance Monkey" | 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 | 40 | 2nd place |
• Points that are highlighted in bold indicate that Nate & Helene were at the top of the leaderboard.
Season 17 (2021): with Simon Nitsche
edit| Week no. | Dance | Song | Judges' scores | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha Cha Cha | "Dynamite" | 8 + 8 + 8 | 24 | No elimination |
| 2 | Foxtrot | "En Solskinnsdag" | 9 + 9 + 9 | 27 | Safe |
| 3 | Rumba | "More Than Words" | 8 + 9 + 8 | 25 | Safe |
| 4 | Show dance | "Run Away" | 9 + 10 + 9 | 28 | Safe |
| 5 | Jive | "Rebel Yell" | 9 + 9 + 10 | 28 | Safe |
| 6 | Modern | "Writing's On the Wall" | 9 + 10 + 10 | 29 | Safe |
| 7 | Viennese waltz | "Ein farfar i livet" | 10 + 10 + 10 | 30 | Safe |
| 8 | Quickstep | "I Want Candy" | 9 + 8 + 8 | 25 | Safe |
| 9 | Pasodoble
w/ Aleksander Hetland |
"Eye of the Tiger" | 10 + 10 + 10 | 30 | Safe |
| 10 | Tango | "Bad Habits" | 9 + 9 + 10 | 28 | Safe |
| 10 | Samba | "El Diablo" | 10 + 10 + 10 | 30 | D.O - safe |
| 11 | Salsa | "Hung Up" | 10 + 10 + 10 | 30 | Safe |
| 11 | Argentine tango | "Running" | 10 + 10 + 9 | 29 | Safe |
| 12 | Cha Cha Cha | "Dynamite" | 10 + 10 + 10 | 30 | Safe |
| 12 | Foxtrot | "Someone You Loved" | 10 + 10 + 10 | 30 | Safe |
| 12 | Show dance | "Blinding Lights" | 10 + 10 + 10 | 30 | Winners |
• Points that are highlighted in bold indicate that Simon & Helene were at the top of the leaderboard.
Season 18 (2022): with Aleksander Hetland
edit| Week no. | Dance | Song | Judges' scores | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tango | "Pepas" | 6 + 6 + 7 | 19 | Safe |
| 2 | Salsa | "Don't Go Yet" | 9 + 9 + 9 | 27 | Safe |
| 3 | Jive | "Fire" | 9 + 9 + 9 | 27 | Safe |
| 4 | Modern | "Arcade" | 9 + 9 + 10 | 28 | Safe |
| 5 | Foxtrot | "Dancing On My Own" | 9 + 9 + 9 | 27 | Safe |
| 6 | Argentine tango | "Mother" | 10 + 10 + 10 | 30 | Safe |
| 7 | Show dance | "Rock Your Body" | 7 + 7 + 8 | 22 | Safe |
| 8 | Pasodoble | "Warriors" | 10 + 9 + 10 | 29 | Safe |
| 9 | Samba
w/ Grunde Myhrer |
"Don't Call Me Up" | 9 + 9 + 8 | 26 | Doubt |
| 10 | Rumba | "Toxic" | 9 + 9 + 9 | 27 | Safe |
| 11 | Argentine tango | "River" | 9 + 9 + 8 | 26 | Safe |
| 11 | Modern | "Without You" | 10 + 8 + 8 | 26 | Eliminated |
• Points that are highlighted in bold indicate that Aleksander & Helene were at the top of the leaderboard.
Season 19 (2023): with Harlem Alexander
edit| Week no. | Dance | Song | Judges' scores | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tango | "I'm Good" | 7 + 8 + 8 | 23 | No elimination |
| 2 | Cha Cha Cha | "One Kiss" | 7 + 7 + 7 | 21 | Safe |
| 3 | Modern | "Ikke som de andre" | 8 + 8 + 8 | 24 | Safe |
| 4 | Pasodoble | "Mission Accomplished" | 9 + 9 + 9 | 27 | Safe |
| 5 | Bhangra | "Mundian To Bach Ke" | 9 + 9 + 9 | 27 | Safe |
| 6 | Rumba | "Når Snøen Smelter" | 10 + 10 + 10 | 30 | Safe |
| 7 | Quickstep | "Because We Can" | 7 + 9 + 9 | 25 | Safe |
| 8 | Samba | "Hip Hip Chin Chin" | 10 + 10 + 9 | 29 | Safe |
| 9 | Foxtrot | "You're Welcome" | 8 + 8 + 8 | 24 | Doubt |
| 10 | Viennese waltz | "7 Rings" | 10 + 8 + 9 | 27 | Eliminated |
• Points that are highlighted in bold indicate that Harlem & Helene were at the top of the leaderboard.
Other television appearances
editAlle mot alle
editIn 2021, Spilling was a contestant on the third season of Alle mot alle.[23] She and Birgit Skarstein finished eighth in the group stage.[24]
Mesternes mester
editSpilling took part in the 14th season of Mesternes mester.[25] Spilling is the fifth dancer to have taken part in the program and is the one who has been the most successful thus far, finishing in fifth place.
24-stjerners julekalender
editSpilling was among the contestants in the first season of 24-stjerners julekalender.[26] She ended in 10th place.[27]
Current projects
editSpilling is the founder and owner of The Zone Dance Studio in Oslo. [6] In 2021, she was given a temporary lease to run the studio that was used by Skal vi danse contestants in the previous season. The building was later set to be demolished, so a new premises was needed. Spilling decided on an office building located in Torshov and with the assistance of the Skal vi danse production it was converted into a spacious and functional dance studio. It contains six dance halls, a social zone, and office spaces.[28] The Zone has since served as the place for Skal vi danse contestants to train and practice in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.[29][30]
She is also the founder of the dance and sportswear brand DAVAY.[31]
Spilling has been a wedding videographer in her spare time since 2023, under the name SpillingMedia.[32]
She is an ambassador for Thune, one of Norway's leading jewellery brands. This was first announced in May 2024.[33] [34]
Personal life
editSpilling is in a relationship with the Arsenal and Norway captain Martin Ødegaard.[35][36] She is close friends with Paralympic athlete Birgit Skarstein, with the pair having met on Skal vi danse in 2020.[37] She and fellow Skal vi danse professional dancer Rikke Lund have known each other since childhood, and chose to pursue dance together.[2]
Spilling has one older sister.[38] She is the granddaughter of the late Internet pioneer Pål Spilling.[39]
References
edit- ^ "Helene Spilling – 4 roller i norsk næringsliv" [Helene Spilling – 4 roles in Norwegian business]. proff.no. Retrieved 2023-10-17.
- ^ a b 2. episode [2nd episode] (in Norwegian Bokmål), 2023-01-06, retrieved 2023-10-17
- ^ Brenden, Marcus (2021-01-06). "Hjembygda i krise: - Ufattelig vondt" [Hometown in crisis: – Unbelievably painful]. Se og Hør (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2023-10-17.
- ^ "Helene Spilling – 4 roller i norsk næringsliv" [Helene Spilling - 4 roles in Norwegian business]. proff.no. Retrieved 2023-10-17.
- ^ "– Det var ikke en bra dialog med ham. Jeg ble deprimert" [– It was not a good dialogue with him. I became depressed]. www.klikk.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2023-10-17.
- ^ a b "VÅRE PEDAGOGER" [OUR INSTRUCTORS]. THE ZONE (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2023-11-15.
- ^ Helene Spilling / Sportsdans og livet som proffdanser [Helene Spilling / Competitive dance and life as a professional dancer], retrieved 2023-10-17
- ^ 2. episode [2nd episode] (in Norwegian Bokmål), 2023-01-06, retrieved 2023-11-16
- ^ "Details of WDSF athlete Helene Spilling". www.worlddancesport.org. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
- ^ "Helene Spilling om "Mesternes mester": – Jeg er ikke fisefin!" [Helene Spilling on "Mesternes Mester": – I'm not a slob!]. NRK P3 (in Norwegian). 2023-01-07. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ^ "VÅRE PEDAGOGER" [OUR INSTRUCTORS]. THE ZONE (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2023-11-15.
- ^ "Dance Awards - danseforbundet" [Dance Awards - The Dance Association]. www.danseforbundet.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2023-11-16.
- ^ Solberg, Vilde Holta Røssland, Julie (2020-11-21). "Andreas Wahl vant "Skal vi danse": - Nå skal jeg prioritere familien" [Andreas Wahl wins "Skal vi danse": – Now I'll prioritise my family]. Nettavisen (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2023-09-07.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Løland, Julie Solberg, Tuva Mathilde (2021-11-13). "Simon Nitsche er årets vinner av "Skal vi danse"" [Simon Nitsche is this year's winner of "Skal vi danse"]. Nettavisen (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2023-09-07.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ AS, TV 2 (2021-11-13). "Simon Nitsche og Helene Spilling vant Skal vi danse: - Helene, denne seieren er din!" [Simon Nitsche and Helene Spilling win Skal vi danse: – Helene, this victory is yours!]. TV 2 (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2024-06-11.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Ertesvåg, Frank; Sandblad, Mattis (2021-11-13). "Simon Nitsche vant «Skal vi danse» 2021" [Simon Nitsche wins Skal vi danse 2021]. VG (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2024-06-11.
- ^ Eilertsen, Emma Cecilia Eriksson, Henriette (2021-11-13). "Simon Nitsche vant Skal vi danse" [Simon Nitsche wins Skal vi danse]. dagbladet.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2024-06-11.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ AS, TV 2 (2022-11-05). "Aleksander Hetland røk ut i semifinalen av Skal vi danse: all stars" [Aleksander Hetland is eliminated in the semi-final of Skal vi danse: All Stars]. TV 2 (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2023-07-24.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Franck, Tuva Mathilde Løland, Cecilie (2022-11-05). "Aleksander Hetland røk ut rett før den store "Skal vi danse: All stars"-finalen: – Jeg er ikke bitter" [Aleksander Hetland is eliminated right before the big "Skal vi danse: All Stars" final: – I'm not bitter]. Nettavisen (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2024-01-06.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Solberg, Philip Haglund, Julie (2023-08-08). "Dette er «Skal vi danse»-deltakerne 2023" [These are the contestants in "Skal vi danse" 2023]. Nettavisen (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2024-01-06.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ AS, TV 2 (2023-10-28). "Sjokk-exit - Harlem Alexander ute av "Skal vi danse"" [Shocking exit - Harlem Alexander is out of "Skal vi danse"]. TV 2 (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2023-10-28.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Losen, Sofie (2023-10-28). "Sjokkexit" [Shocking exit]. dagbladet.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2023-10-28.
- ^ Björlin, Sofia (2021-06-14). "- Vi gleder oss veldig" [- We are really looking forward to it]. Se og Hør (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2023-11-01.
- ^ "Alle mot alle", Wikipedia (in Norwegian Bokmål), 2023-10-11, retrieved 2023-11-01
- ^ Amlie, Helene (2022-05-18). "Her er deltakerne i neste Mesternes mester" [These are the contestants in the next Mesternes Mester]. NRK (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2023-08-19.
- ^ "Markus Neby leder årets store julekalender på NRK | NRK" [Markus Neby leads this year's big Christmas calendar on NRK]. kommunikasjon.ntb.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2024-02-14.
- ^ 15. Julekort [15th episode - Christmas card] (in Norwegian Bokmål), 2022-12-15, retrieved 2023-08-19
- ^ ceciliehansen (2022-08-26). "Proffdanseren Helene Spilling velger Hunton" [Professional dancer Helene Spilling chooses Hunton]. Hunton Fiber (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2023-11-02.
- ^ ""Skal vi danse"-Helene har en spesiell rolle i årets sesong: – Utfordrende" ["Skal vi danse" - Helene has a special role in this year's season: – Challenging]. Nettavisen (in Norwegian). 2022-09-03. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
- ^ AS, TV 2 (2023-09-02). "Helene Spilling om «favorittstempel»: - Ulempe" [Helene Spilling on the "favourites" title: A disadvantage]. TV 2 (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2024-06-29.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Om oss | DAVAY" [About us | DAVAY] (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2024-02-14.
- ^ "SpillingMedia | Bryllupsvideograf" [SpillingMedia | Wedding videographer] (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2024-07-08.
- ^ "Reklame / Så gøy å endelig kunne dele gladnyheten at jeg er ambassadør for @thune.no" [Ad / So fun to finally be able to share the good news that I am an ambassador for @thune.no]. www.instagram.com. @helenespilling.
- ^ LAB, ELLE CREATIVE (2024-05-15). "Helene Spilling for Thune: Sjekk ut sommerens hotteste smykketrender" [Helene Spilling for Thune: Check out the summer's hottest jewellery trends.]. www.elle.no (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ Banerjee, Apratim (2023-06-01). ""Life is good" - Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard goes Instagram official with Helene Spilling". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
- ^ AS, TV 2 (2023-06-01). "Bekrefter forhold" [Confirms their relationship]. TV 2 (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2023-11-19.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Løland, Tuva Mathilde (2023-06-21). "Birgit Skarstein droppet kjendisfest for å støtte Helene Spilling: – Viktigere for meg" [Birgit Skarstein dropped the celebrity party to support Helene Spilling: – More important to me]. Nettavisen (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2023-09-19.
- ^ "Gratulerer med dagen til verdens beste storesøster" [Happy birthday to the world's best big sister]. Instagram. @helenespilling.
- ^ "En farfar i livet. Dagens dans er til deg" [A grandfather in life. Today's dance is for you]. Instagram. @helenespilling.