An Inside Look: Tivoli Ballet Theatre (Copenhagen)
Last week, I attended two ballet performances at the beautiful Tivoli Ballet Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark! The shows took place at the Pantomime Theatre, open-air stage in the middle of the iconic Tivoli Gardens theme park. The Tivoli Ballet Theatre is a family-friendly experience and features dancers of all backgrounds.
At a Glance
🗺️ Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
📍 Venue/Theatre: Tivoli Ballet Theatre➝
📅 Dates: Various
🎭 Type of Show: Dance
🌐 Language: None
⏰ Runtime: Various
About The Steadfast Tin Soldier
The first of the two performances on this sunny Thursday evening was The Steadfast Tin Soldier, an exciting fairy tale ballet by Hans Christian Anderson. Upon the show’s start, the characters took to the stage in bold and colorful costumes, just as if a bright and cheery coloring book were coming to life. This immediately set the mood for an epic adventure. Children and adults alike were glued to the stage, as they watched the one-legged tin soldier fight through his journey of survival.
The ballet itself was especially exciting in that it constantly flipped back and forth between the “toy world” and the “real world”. With this constant shifting of perspectives, the ballet enchanted the audience with the magic of it all.
About La Sylphide
La Sylphide was a strong contrast to the childlike joy of the first piece. In La Sylphide, the audience gets pulled into an adventure of lust, temptation, and the deep dark woods.
The protagonist in this story is James, a young man who has already promised himself to Effie. But upon an encounter with a beautiful and alluring Sylph, everything changes. This ballet moved little girls to dance while bringing the adults to the edges of their seats. It was a elegant display of beauty, grace, and magic, in addition to a pressing life lesson.
A Conversation with Jennifer Wagstaffe:
Jennifer Wagstaffe➝ joined the Tivoli Ballet Theater in 2010. She has played “Effy” in La Sylphide, an evil stepsister in Cinderella, and “Columbine” in the traditional Danish pantomimes. She has also danced with the Royal Danish Opera and played the role of “Meg Giry” in The Phantom of the Opera.
Stacy: What inspired you to become a dancer?
Jennifer: I started dancing at the age of three. And although I enjoyed other activities like playing the violin and doing gymnastics, my dream was always to become a ballet dancer. What inspired me the most then, and still today, was getting the chance to move and express myself to beautiful music, whether it be in ballet class or on stage.
Stacy: What advice would you give those who are aspiring to become a professional dancer?
Jennifer: I would say not to restrict yourself to one thing. Try out different dance styles – ballet, jazz, modern, and also singing and drama. It makes you more versatile and employable in the dance world. It also gives you the chance to meet inspiring people and find your own style and personality as a performer.
Stacy: Do you have a dream role that you would love to dance one day?
Jennifer: My favourite role to play at Tivoli Ballet Theater is Columbine in the traditional Danish pantomimes. There are currently 16 pantomimes in the repertoire and so far I’ve performed in 15 of them. So it’s a big dream of mine to get to dance Columbine in the last one.
Stacy: What’s your favorite thing about being a Tivoli dancer?
Jennifer: I love the fact that we get the chance to do so many different shows and styles each season. A summer can include Bournonville ballets such as La Sylphide and Napoli, fairytale ballets wearing costumes designed by the Queen of Denmark, new modern works, and traditional pantomimes. We also get the chance to perform every night. And isn’t getting the chance to perform why we become professional dancers in the first place?
So if you’re ever in Copenhagen, you’ll have to experience the Tivoli Ballet Theatre for yourself! Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or all on your own, you’ll be sure to enjoy this magical atmosphere. The shows at the Pantomime Theatre are even included in the Tivoli admission price.
About the Tivoli Ballet Theatre
The ballets at Tivoli are performed at the Pantomime Theatre, an open-air stage that dates back to 1874. Ballet was introduced to the theatre in 1911, and since then, the stage has also hosted a variety of dance performances, pantomimes, and children’s shows. The stage also features a signature curtain, which is unique in that it’s beautifully shaped like a peacock’s tail.
What to Know Before You Go
The theatre is entirely open-air, so make sure to dress accordingly and keep your eye on the weather! The space is wheelchair accessible and admission to shows at this theatre are included in the cost of your park ticket.
* A special thanks to Tivoli for the invitation to the gardens!
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Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip and the author of The Thespian’s Bucket List. She is also the creator of The Cast Album List. Her background includes a BA in Theatre, a TESOL Drama certificate, and professional experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
