Contempo Physical Dance emerged from Marciano Silva dos Santos’ hunger to create work that is artistically exceptional, riveting to watch – and that speaks to the cultural dynamics of his ancestry. Marciano is both Afro-Brazilian and indigenous. He is interested in contemporary movement and the ways it intersects with traditional movement forms and diverse perspectives. Through extensive creative research, Contempo has created a signature Brazilian contemporary dance aesthetic, powered by Marciano’s drive to create new work that explores the themes and cultural dynamics of Brazil. 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.

From   the   Beginning

Where   we   are   now

Founded in 2011 by 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 their sold-out debut of Motirô at Minneapolis’ Ritz Theater, they 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 Contempo has been committed to sharing their work in engaging ways with diverse communities. They have produced five full-length works for tour and have performed at Northwestern College in Orange City (IA), Concordia College in Moorhead (MN), The Dreamery Rural Arts Initiative in Wykoff (MN), and the New York Mills (MN) Regional Cultural Center. They have also offered K-12 residencies in Twin Cities public schools and student matinee performances since 2013.
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Artistic Director

Seeking to elevate the Twin Cities as a pioneering site for contemporary dance production and exploration, Contempo Physical Dance has hosted international choreographic residencies every other year since 2016 for the purpose of cross-cultural dialogues with prominent voices in the field. Contempo has commissioned both Nildinha Fonseca of Brazil and Patrick Acogny of Senegal to create contemporary works of the African Diaspora.

Contempo's next residency will focus on engaging contemporary indigenous choreographers. They will partner with the McKnight Fellowship Program at The Cowles Center and First Nations artist Thomas E.S. Kelly of Australia, the 2020 McKnight International Choreographer, to create a new ensemble work for the company.

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Managing Director

Marciano   Silva dos Santos

Jenny   Pennaz