Estonian Dancer Diina Tamm Joins Bronx Zoo’s Thanksgiving Parade Debut During Idina Menzel’s Performance

On a chilly Thanksgiving morning, the streets of Manhattan were alive with the vibrant sights and sounds of the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®. Among the towering floats and marching bands, Estonian-born dancer and choreographer Diina Tamm stood out, bringing a touch of her brilliance to one of America’s most beloved traditions.

Performing on the Bronx Zoo's debut float, “Wondrous World of Wildlife,” Diina embodied a majestic tiger, perched on towering stilts, alongside dancers representing other exotic animals. The Bronx Zoo's float was a visual masterpiece, featuring biomes like the African Savanna and Russian Boreal Forest, coupled with life-size animal replicas. The performance was headlined by Broadway legend Idina Menzel, who delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Great Escape” from her upcoming musical Redwood.

“For me, performing at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is always a dream,” Diina shared in a pre-show Facebook post. “It’s extra special this year to be part of such a significant debut with the Bronx Zoo and alongside the incredible Idina Menzel.”

The parade marked yet another milestone in Diina’s illustrious career. Hailing from Tallinn, Estonia, she has carved out a remarkable niche in New York City’s competitive dance scene. Known for her versatility, Diina has performed on global stages, including the US Open, New York Fashion Week, and even previous Macy's Parades. Her repertoire spans contemporary dance, aerial performance, and even fire and stilt dance, making her a true force of nature in the performing arts world.

Her role in the Bronx Zoo's float wasn’t just about dazzling spectators; it was also about carrying a message. The float highlighted conservation efforts, aligning with the Bronx Zoo’s mission to protect endangered species and inspire a love for wildlife. For Diina, this message resonated deeply. “Dance is such a powerful medium for storytelling,” she reflected. “Being able to combine performance with a message of conservation made this experience even more meaningful.”

While the parade audience marveled at the spectacle, Estonians at home and abroad celebrated Diina’s success as a testament to her dedication and talent. From her early beginnings in Tallinn to becoming a celebrated figure in New York's dance scene, her journey is a source of pride for the Baltic community.

Diina Tamm continues to champion Estonian culture through her work, regularly collaborating with Baltic artists and representing her heritage on international stages. Her projects include a revival of her Estonian folklore-inspired dance performance "Dawn till Dusk", which has already toured the East Coast and is looking forward to expanding performance dates in the upcoming year.

As the last confetti fell on Thanksgiving Day, Diina Tamm reminded us that dreams, much like her graceful movements on stilts, have no bounds. Whether it’s wowing millions on live television or crafting intimate, heartfelt performances, Diina’s story is an inspiring one—both for dancers and dreamers alike.

Follow Diina Tamm: Website | Backstage| Instagram

Bronx Zoo’s Conservation Mission: Press Release