Jon learned the halling from Reidar Meinstad, Robert Dokken and Hellik Dokka. In 1985 he competed in the Norwegian National Traditional Music and Dance Competition (Landskappleik) for the first time, and since then his list of accomplishments has grown to include: * Winner of the Landskappleik in 1994, 1995, 2000 and 2002, including the King’s Trophy in 2000 * Tours of the U.S. and many European countries * Participation in the Winter Exhibit’s visit to Spain during the 1994 Olympic Games * Courses and concerts at the folk music festival at Ransäter in Sweden * Dance performance at the world championship ski shooting competition * 2001-2002 Played in the theatre production "Peer Gynt" (Henrik Ibsen) at the Rogaland Theatre. * 2002 Guest in the Graham Norton Show, English TV - Channal 4 In 1992 Jon traveled to Sweden for nine months with the theatrical project “Gøsta Berling’s Story” by Selma Lagerløf. The following summer he worked with the Østfold Theater Workshop at the Festning Play at Fredriksten castle in Halden. Jon Ellingsen is also deeply involved with the promotion and strengthening of the halling dance tradition, and is much in demand as an instructor. Jon emphasizes musicality in his expression of the dance, and for him music and dance must be completely integrated in order to succeed. Of course, acrobatic stunts are important components of the halling, but they must flow naturally, says Jon.