The Pulse: September 5 - 12

MONDAY
Put on your red shoes and head to one of the coolest clubs in Oslo, Blå, this Monday evening for GymBaloo! Described as an alternative work-out for those who don't enjoy following a sweaty gym instructor stepping to the sounds of Rhianna, this is your chance to dance until you drop, and then get up and keep dancing because the DJ is makin' you feel so nice! The first Monday of every month, the hip jazz club called Blå, located right next to the Akerselva river in Grunnerløkka, holds a dance party for one and a half hours, starting at 7pm. Come in whatever clothes you like, gym clothes or regular attire, and dance away the stress that the rest of the week will bring. The DJ will play both old and new music, famous and underground, anything to get you moving. There is no age limit and the cost is free. And if you haven't been to see the Frank Znort Quartet play on Sunday nights at Blå, also for free, then get your butt over there as well. It's an institution.

WEDNESDAY
The Nobel Peace Center, located down at the water front between the City Hall and the entrance to Aker Brygge, is currently featuring a multimedia exhibition on South Africa's struggle for democracy called Strengths and Convictions. This Wednesday evening they will be hosting a concert of traditional South African songs and the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. The performances by a string quartet, musician Busi Ncube on voice and mbira and other members of the Philharmonic orchestra will be supported by a projection of somewhat spooky but extremely cool animations by the artist William Kentrdige. A multimedia, multicultural performance that's not to be missed. The show starts at 7pm at the Nobel Peace Center and tickets cost 80 kroner.

THURSDAY
Who likes free stuff? How about free stuff with caffeine in it? Even better. The Norwegian coffee shop chain called Kaffebrenneriet is calling this Thursday "The Big Coffee Day," and they're offering coffee tasting and free samples of chocolate, ice cream and baked goods at various locations around Oslo. Go to any Kaffebrenneriet in the city this Thursday for a free tasting of different coffee types from all over the world. Between 11 and 1 o'clock, head over to the Kaffebrenneriet at Ullevålsveien & Karenslyst alle 22 to taste and learn more about chocolate. Go to the cafe inside Saga Kino, between Nationaltheateret and Aker Brygge, to taste ice cream and witness ice cream sculpting between 2 and 4pm.