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Contempo emerged from Marciano Silva dos Santos’ hunger to create work that is artistically exceptional, riveting to watch – and that speaks to cultural dynamics of the African Diaspora. He researches ways that Afro/Brazilian and contemporary dance forms intersect and seeks to lead the evolution of these movement forms. This exciting form-fusion is Contempo’s signature aesthetic, powered by Marciano’s drive to create new work that explores themes and cultural dynamics of the African Diaspora. Contempo also recognizes the impact of creating and producing work in Minnesota with American dancers whose voices add yet another layer of complexity to the work.
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From the Beginning |
Where we are now |
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Founded in 2012 by Afro-Brazilian choreographer Marciano Silva dos Santos (Artistic Director) and dancer Jenny Pennaz (Managing Director), Contempo Physical Dance hit the Minnesota dance scene with a huge flourish. Since our sold-out debut of Motirô at Minneapolis’ Ritz Theater, we have been presented by The O’Shaughnessy in St. Paul and The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts in Minneapolis.
From the beginning we have been committed to sharing our work in engaging ways with diverse communities. Less than a year after our debut performance, we toured to Orange City, Iowa to perform and provide interactive workshops. We have offered annual K-12 residencies in Twin Cities public schools and student matinee performances since 2013. Artistic Director |
In 2016 we received a Knight Arts Challenge Award to premiere an international choreographic residency with Senegalese Afro/Contemporary choreographer Patrick Acogny. We are looking forward to our second international choreographic residency with Brazilian choreographer Nildinha Fonseca from Bale Folclorico da Bahia in 2019.
Contempo will also tour SenZalma to The Dreamery Rural Arts Initiative in Wykoff, MN, and the New York Mills (MN) Regional Cultural Center with a common goal to make high-quality artistic work accessible to rural communities in Minnesota. After many requests from the public, we are also expanding our educational offerings to include masterclasses for the community and a summer intensive for advanced and pre-professional dancers. Managing Director |
Marciano Silva dos Santos |
Jenny Pennaz |
Dancers
Gemma Isaacson |
Paula Vasquez Alzate |
Erinn Liebhard |
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Suzette Gilreath |
