Current Classes:
Olsen Banden - Famous Danish Movie
DANISH LANGUAGE FOR BEGINNERS 1
A Danish course for beginners. This is a slower-paced course for beginner-level students using the textbook Colloquial Danish for adult learners. We cover core basic language skills in everyday scenarios with plenty of grammar lessons and opportunities to practice with audio and written assignments in the textbook, and hands-on group work in class. The course meets for ten sessions at the Danish American Center and offers optional Zoom ‘office hour’ sessions where students may check in with questions about the lesson or homework assignment. Google Classroom is used for communication and classwork.
In person sessions at DAC Saturdays from 9:30 - 11am
September 13, 20, 27; October 11, 18, 25; November 8, 15, 22; December 6: Julefrokost wrap up
Zoom Office Hours (optional) Saturdays from 9:30 -10am October 4, and November 1
Location First session Danebo Lounge; Remaining sessions North Commons Classroom
Cost $125 for DAC members $175 for non-members Register here
DANISH BEGINNERS PLUS I
Beginner Plus 1 is a bi-monthly mini-class designed for those with a little more language experience and/or those who have completed previous Beginning Danish courses at DAC. The participants work collaboratively to choose Danish games, stories, films, and more to delve a little deeper into their language learning.
Classes will be held Saturdays from 11:15am to 12:30pm: September 13 and 27, October 11 and 25; November 8 and 22; and December 6 for the Julefrokost wrap up celebration with the Beginner 1 cohort from 10:30am to 12:30pm.
Location First session Danebo Lounge; Remaining sessions North Commons Classroom
Cost per session $12 for DAC members $17 for non-members Register here
ADVANCED DANISH DISCUSSION & CULTURAL CLASS
Come join a group of advanced language and culture learners for a discussion based on Danish author, Susanne V. Knudsen’s book, Grandmother’s Universe (Farmors Verden). This class is for people with a solid Danish language foundation, who are interested in expanding their knowledge of the language, while diving into the challenging and harsh life of rural Denmark from 1880 to 1940. The class will move slowly through the chapters following the students language levels.
Danish born instructor Niels Billund has been teaching, tutoring and playing music for a number of years in the Twin Cities, including a stint at Skovsøen. He is currently translating Grandmother’s Universe to English.
Register for each session independently. Each session $10 DAC members, $15 non-members
More activities:
Check the DAC calendar for specific information and meeting times for all activity groups.
Æbleskive Breakfasts
Third Sunday of the month September through November and January through May. Register on event calendar.
Recipe for Æbleskiver (makes about 80)
8 cups of flour
1/8 cup baking powder
1/8 cup making soda
1 T salt
1/2 gallon buttermilk
1 dozen eggs
Mix dry ingredients. Separate the eggs and whip the egg whites until stiff. Mix together in mixer, dry ingredients, then eggs and buttermilk. Finally, fold in the egg whites. Then fry away!
Danebo Reading Circle
Interested in reading Nordic literature in translation? This is a delightful way to learn more about our heritage. The reading list is created by members and consists of modern and classical books. Some authors we have read over the past 20 years include Peter Hoeg, Tove Ditlevsen, Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen), HC Andersen, William Heinesen, and Hans Kirk. Watch the DANews for details about upcoming gatherings. This group usually meets on the 3rd Sunday afternoon from September to November and from January through May.
Onsdags Frokost (Wednesday lunch)
Twice a month, DAC volunteers prepare a tasty lunch for members and their guests. Attendees begin with a social time and move into being served at the attractively decorated tables. The hour is interspersed with commentary, announcements and singing in English and Danish. Cost is $15 for members and $18 for their guests. Pre-register and pay online.
Dannebrog Danish Dancers
Danish folk dancers.
If dancing is truly the physical expression of the soul's joy, then these are happy folks indeed. Since 1967 a group calling themselves, Dannebrog Dancers, has been learning and practicing, teaching and performing the traditional folk dances of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Though meeting primarily to enjoy their mutual love of dancing, opportunities to perform for others are certainly not ignored. It is a chance to educate others about traditional costumes and the stories behind the dances, the things that improve cultural understanding and broaden the experience of the audience as well.The dancing groups usually meet frequently. No need to know Danish or Nordic dancing steps as the group is happy to teach newcomers of all ages. Watch the calendar in the DANews for up to date information. Most often the dancing takes place in the DAC atrium.
Mah-jongg
Learn this fascinating Chinese tile game from member and seasoned mah-jongg player, Anne-Lise Paulsen. This group meets every Wednesday (except December) from 10 am-6 pm and beginners are welcome. Games sets are provided, including larger printed tiles for the visually impaired. Bring a lunch and every other Wednesday is the option to purchase a plate for $12 at the DAC Wednesday lunches. Reserve in advance as lunches sell out.
Tøseaften (Girls Night Out)
Tøseaften – Danish speaking women meeting monthly for an evening of hygge (Girls Night Out), friendship, and interesting discussions. If you understand Danish well, but speak it hesitantly, we would still love to see you. Bring a drink for yourself and a shareable snack. We meet the first Friday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Danish American Center. Occasionally, we have additional events, one being a traditional lækker julefrokost. Special events such as parties include spouses/partners (also, English speaking). If you would like more information or wish to be on the invite list, please contact Annette Dunford at tulipsmile@icloud.com. We would love to have you join us!
Fyraften (Guy’s night)
Enjoy a time of good food and fellowship for the men of the DAC, ages 18+. They take turns preparing meals and doing the cleanup. All contribute to the cost of the meal. While some will speak in Danish, that is not a requirement. The group meets on the last Friday of every month from September-May.
Spillefolk
Bring an instrument and join us to play Danish folk music! Spillefolk will meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month. A list of tunes will be provided, with online sources for sheet music when possible.
Saga Writers
The Saga Writers group provides a welcoming environment where people find encouragement and support to write family history and personal stories.
Vikingelauget - The Viking Guild
Join us to make historical crafts based on archaeological finds of the Viking Age. Members will be able to create their own Viking Age clothing and have the opportunity to take part in a Viking camp at various Midwest Scandinavian cultural events. We will also explore Viking Age cuisine, combat, carving, and other hands-on activities!
Annual Events for Members:
Annual Membership meeting
Members ages 18 and over are encouraged to attend our Annual Meeting to learn about the financial status of the organization and plans for its future. This meeting also allows members to ask questions and vote for nominated board members. Reception prior to the meeting on a Sunday in late September - DAC members are encouraged to attend since a quorum is required.
Cheese Sale
Each year, the DAC offers its members the opportunity to order special cheeses in preparation for the Christmas season. Authenic Danish Havarti cheese and other delicacies such as agurk (pickles) and leverpastej (liver pate). Orders are placed in our online shop from mid-September to mid-October with pick up in November.
Christmas Carol Sang Aften
Annual event on the 1st weekend of December. A Christmas songfest with many popular Danish Christmas carols led at the piano by the popular Lisa Jensen, DAC member. Danes love to sing. This has become a beloved event for many DAC members and guests.
Julefrokost
A traditional Christmas lunch with a scrumptious spread of Danish open face sandwiches. Bring your appetite to this festive event that serves all the Danish classics: herring, shrimp, frikadeller, rice pudding, cookies and much more. The Julefrokost is a multi-course meal that includes all the delicious holiday favorites with singing of Christmas songs throughout the meal. When Danes gather around the table, they like to take their time. Be prepared to eat, drink, sing and be merry all afternoon! Reservations are required.
Children's Christmas Party
On the second or third Sunday in December, the DAC hosts a celebration of Christmas just for the kids! This festive event includes children's crafts, a Christmas story, dancing around the tree, a light meal and a visit from Santa! If you wish, you can bring a small gift addressed to your child for Santa's bag. Reserve spaces for your family online. Come and enjoy, with your children or grandchildren, an old-fashioned Christmas celebration at the Danish American Center!
Fastelavn
Fastelavn, the age-old Danish version of Carnival is celebrated every year prior to Lent. This is one of the most popular traditions for kids, as they get to dress up and eat lots of candy! They also get to beat a barrel full of candy until it bursts, with the kid knocking it open getting crowned as Cat King or Queen for the day. The children also make Fastelanvnsris, decorated branches, and enjoy delicious Fastelavnsboller which is a special Danish pastry made for the event.
Sankt Hans Aften
For 25 years, members Kurt Hansen and Patricia Walter have hosted Sankt Hans Fest (Summer Solstice) at their farm in Rosemount, Minnesota. Grab some lawn chairs, meat to grill and a dish to share. The Walter-Hansen's will provide the grills and their beautiful farm with plenty of room to gather. Take in the scenery with a hayride through the woods and gather around the bonfire after dinner. And if it rains, everyone moves to the shelter of the barn for singing and dancing. It's a great way to kick off summer. DAC members and guest. Watch the calendar for updates each spring.
Public Events
Danish Day
Since 1959, members of the DAC and their guests have gathered to celebrate all things Danish on the first Sunday of June. Danish Day offers a variety of Danish Food specialties including hotdogs wtih all the fixings, Æbleskiver and more. There are craft booths, a Viking reenactment, and live entertainment. Danish Day is also the time to honor "Danes of the Year." It's a great opportunity to visit with friends and celebrate Danish culture. This event is free and open to all with a modest fee for food.
Christmas Art and Craft Sale
Come join us on the third Sunday of November for our Annual Art Fair in the Atrium, where member artists will show and sell their wares. Browse and purchase those early gifts for the holidays. We will have cards, woodwork, paintings, jewelry and more all created by our members. This event is open to the public.
