Marciano Silva dos Santos

2026 Choreography FELLOw

Photo credit: V. Paul Virtucio

Marciano Silva dos Santos is a Brazilian choreographer and the Artistic Director of Contempo Physical Dance. Since immigrating from Brazil to the Twin Cities, he has garnered acclaim for shaping a distinctive movement aesthetic that fuses Afro-Brazilian rhythm with the nuanced physicality of contemporary dance. His artistic drive to explore emotional, cultural, and spiritual forces through physicality continues to fuel his choreographic work.

Marciano was recognized by the American Folkloric Society as a “Brazilian artist of unique and exceptional ability and merit.” Upon moving to Minnesota, he developed a mission to create work that is artistically exceptional, riveting to watch, and deeply rooted in the cultural dynamics of his Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous ancestry. His work is driven by a deep interest in contemporary movement and the ways it intersects with traditional forms and diverse perspectives.

Founding Contempo Physical Dance in 2011, he has since dedicated himself to creating dynamic, highly physical work. He was named “Best Dancer” by City Pages, hailed as “one of the most graceful movers on any Twin Cities stage” by the Star Tribune, and called “one of the hottest choreographers in town” by Minnesota Monthly Magazine.