“I don´t think art will change the world, but it can help us to understand it better” Marina Mascarell
Danish Dance Theatre is the national contemporary dance company of Denmark, based at the Royal Opera House in Copenhagen. As of April 1st 2023, Spanish choreographer Marina Mascarell has been the company Artistic Director. Danish Dance theatre is celebrated for its dynamic and diverse repertoire, ranging from grand productions at the Royal Danish Theatre, open air festivals and events to more intimate performances that challenge and inspire.
With a diverse troupe of dancers from around the world, the company continually pushes the boundaries of contemporary dance, embodying Mascarell’s deep commitment to humanist values. Her internationally acclaimed work, along with her invitations to other distinguished choreographers, brings fresh perspectives to the company’s repertoire, enriching both the national and international dance landscapes.
Each season, Danish Dance Theatre makes a significant impact on the international stage through extensive tours while also nurturing the local dance scene in Denmark. The company plays a vital role in the development of contemporary dance, not only through its performances but also by organizing annual events that foster creativity and collaboration within the dance community.
Founded in 1981, Danish Dance Theatre has grown into a major cultural institution. With the solid foundation laid by previous artistic directors Randi Patterson with Anette Abildgaard, Ingrid Buchholtz, Mikaela Barnekow and Warren Spears, Tim Rushton, and Pontus Lidberg, the company continues to evolve. Today, Danish Dance Theatre stands at the forefront of contemporary dance, offering powerful and thought-provoking performances that captivate and engage audiences worldwide.
Danish Dance Theatre receives funding from the Ministry of Culture. In addition, individual performances receive support from private and public foundations.
“I try to find the artistic independence taking artistic risks, avoiding the routine and conventions. It remains essential to continue a questioning attitude,” Marina Mascarell
Sustainable Cultural Life NOW, in collaboration with Danish Theatre, has selected ten theatres to lead the green transition in the performing arts industry – and we are proud to be on board. Through the pilot project Theatre Green Book Accelerator Programme, the theatres will implement the Theatre Green Book method in a Danish context.
Danish Dance Theatre is very conscious of our climate footprint and we work actively to produce sustainable performing arts. DRIP TEKHNE was our first production where we committed to following the standards of Theatre Green Book. Theatre Green Book is the leading European tool for greening theatre and cultural production, developed by some of the most important theatres in the UK. Danish Dance Theatre follows the basic standards of the Theatre Green Book, which means that at least 50% of costumes and set design must be made from recycled or upcycled materials, and at least 65% of the materials must be able to live on after the production is over. For the costume design in DRIP TEKHNE, the sustainability principles also serve as a creative guideline in the design process, as all the bottoms are recycled and only the tops are new – and made from sustainable materials. By maintaining a dialogue with nature and the world around us, we create work that respects the interconnectedness of life and ensures that our art remains responsible.
The Theatre Green Book programme launches in March 2025 and runs for a year and a half. Read more at danish theatre or theatregreenbook.com