Today we’d like to introduce you to Magnus Christoffersen.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I began my ballet training at the age of 7 after my mom took me to an audition with the Royal Danish Ballet School.
When my mom asked if I wanted to do ballet, I answered skeptically, “Yes, but I don’t want to wear a dress!”
After nine years in the school, I joined the Royal Danish Ballet company at the age of 16 as an “apprentice,” and was promoted to “corps de ballet” when I turned 19.
In my years with the Royal Danish Ballet, I danced in the repertoire and performed on some of the world´s biggest stages, including Lincoln Center (New York, USA), Palais Garnier (Paris, France), Mariinsky II (St Petersburg, Russia) and National Centre for the Performing Arts (Beijing, China).
After three years as a corps member with Royal Danish Ballet, I decided to move to America when I was offered a Soloist contract with the Los Angeles Ballet. Since joining Los Angeles Ballet, I have danced in their repertoire, and the coaching from the directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary has allowed me to grow and develop my artistry.
I just danced Gurn in “La Sylphide” (March 2019).
“La Sylphide” is my favorite ballet, and It has always been a dream of mine to be one of the leading characters in it.
Please tell us about your art.
The moments behind the curtain before it rises is magical and hard to describe. Weeks or months of rehearsals are about to get presented to thousands of people watching. The curtain goes up, the lights change their shape, and the show is on!
Watching ballet allows the audience to expand their way of looking at life. Watching beautiful movements executed in the moment puts their own life in perspective.
Many ballets that were created centuries ago are as relevant today as when they were created. La Sylphide, for instance, (Choreographed by Bournonville) was made in 1836 and to this day, still tells a story which we all can relate to.
With wine, the more you taste, the more you will able to enjoy and understand it. The same is true with ballet; the more you watch, the more you’ll be able to recognize and hopefully appreciate.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
It is a challenge for artists to compete against reality television and other forms of entertainment that is easier for the public to digest.
Art is often complex and holds more gravity.
It is important for artists to find enjoyment in the time that is necessary to invest to get skilled in a craft, and not get caught up in a world that is fast by running after quick fame or views on YouTube.
Hard work beats talent, and if the hard work becomes fun, then there are no limits.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
11th of April Los Angeles Ballet will have their annual Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
The coming season of Los Angeles Ballet (2019/20) is yet to be announced.
Watch me in The Dancer (Short Film) here: https://vimeo.com/281644162 (directed by Jason Silva and choreographed by Tigran Sargsyan)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://losangelesballet.org/magnus-christoffersen-los-angeles-ballet-soloist
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @MagnusChristoffersen
Image Credit:
Nathaniel Solis, Deborah Ory & Ken Browar (NYC Dance Project), Reed Hutchinson, Jón Axel Fransson and David Robertson
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