Marciano Silva dos Santos

Originally from Brazil, Marciano Silva dos Santos studied theatre and dance at FAFI, a professional performing arts school in Vitória. His work in Brazil for three dance companies— NegraÔ, Bale da Ilha, and Homem Cia de Danca—earned him international critical acclaim as a dancer and had a profound impact on his artistic trajectory. After being recognized by the American Folklore Society as a “Brazilian folk artist of unique and exceptional ability,” he moved to Minnesota, where he has worked with TU Dance, Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater, and in Penumbra Theatre’s Black Nativity. He is also the founder of Contempo Physical Dance, a company known for its Afro-Brazilian contemporary dance fusion. Marciano is a dance teacher in the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program and has taught master classes and residencies throughout the United States and Brazil.