Can you give us a brief introduction to the São Paulo Dance Company, and your role within the company? What is important to you as the artistic director?
I am an artistic director who is dedicated to cultivating and sharing innovative dance concepts within our community. My aim is to ensure that these ideas resonate deeply with both our Company members and our audiences, fostering profound connections. Throughout our journey, we’ve honed our insights and delved into understanding our strengths and vulnerabilities. My responsibility encompasses steering the creative vision and ethos of the company. Our artistic endeavors draw inspiration from São Paulo’s rich diversity and cosmopolitan vibe — a city renowned for its cultural tapestry and multifaceted actions.
We are a vibrant ensemble of 66 people, including 32 dedicated dancers, 22 of whom are here on tour with us. Their passion and commitment come alive on stages worldwide where annually we visit over 90 venues, ranging from majestic theaters to intimate stages. Since the Company’s inception in 2008, our journey has taken us through 18 different countries and this global experience allows us a unique vantage point to witness how the diverse cultures of each country interact, directly or indirectly, with the array of works in our repertoire.
We are a repertory company, a choice that allows us to engage with various strands of dance history working with a spectrum of choreographers to showcase the richness and breadth of dance. I emphasize and encourage our dancers to authentically express themselves within each piece, all while preserving the distinct language of the choreographer. This delicate balance is achieved through daily dedication, where we embody each work with a profound understanding of its essence.
During our visits to various cities, our commitment extends beyond performances. We actively engage with the community through dance workshops, lectures, and open performances aimed at students. Complementing our educational efforts, our dance memory initiative encompasses a wide spectrum of activities. We produce documentaries, video dance content, record performances, curate books, and craft program notes containing pertinent information about our shows. Among these endeavors, ‘Figuras da Dança’ stands out as it chronicles the stories of influential figures in Brazilian dance. Accessible on the Company’s website and broadcasted on educational TV networks in Brazil, it serves as a valuable resource shedding light on the rich history of dance within the country.
At every stage, be it discovering new talents, curating our repertoire or organizing tour logistics, our focus remains steadfastly on meaningful communication with our audience. As the artistic director, my commitment lies in nurturing an environment where artistic expression thrives authentically. Simultaneously, we aim to push the boundaries of dance, not just adapting to its evolution but actively shaping its direction and fostering innovation, reflecting the dynamism and passion that drive us every day.
Brazil is the largest country in South America with a huge dance scene including many different styles and traditions. How important is dance in Brazilian culture?
In Brazil, dance isn’t just an art form; it’s part of our life, something that resonates deeply within our culture. It isn’t confined to studios; it’s interwoven into our lives, deeply rooted in our cultural tapestry. It’s present in our celebrations, from vibrant street festivals to family gatherings and lively parties. You’ve got samba beats filling up the streets during Carnaval, and then there’s forró making our June parties. And it’s not just those; there’s a whole mix like maracatu, passinho, and coco – each one telling a different story of Brazil. The beauty lies in the choice: what dance resonates with you, whether as a student or a professional, becomes a personal expression. Dance becomes a reflection of oneself, connecting individuals to the rich and diverse stories that make up the mosaic of Brazilian culture.
What Latin American traditions or cultural elements do you bring into the company’s own work?
Our bodies serve as vessels of our heritage, subtly reflecting our ancestry through movement. Within the São Paulo Dance Company’s performances, the essence of Latin America intricately weaves its way into our physical expression. Elements such as fluidity in motion, a profound connection to rhythm, and an innate link to emotional expression echo our cultural roots. These defining characteristics serve as enriching threads within our work, bestowing upon it a unique quality that honors and celebrates our Latin identity.
The São Paulo Dance Company was founded by Brazil’s state government in 2008. What does the arts funding landscape look like in Brazil and are the creative industries invested in enough?
Dance in Brazil is incredibly vibrant and multifaceted. There’s a diverse array of active groups, each with its unique approach to production. Various mechanisms exist, including subsidies and governmental support at different levels—state, municipal, and federal—for dance groups and companies. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve all faced unique challenges in remaining active. However, today, art is reclaiming its place with live performances, reconnecting with diverse audiences. Through resilience and an abundance of artistry, we continue to navigate life’s different rhythms, embracing the ever-evolving dynamics of our artistic expression.
The company will be performing at Sadler’s Wells from 9th-10th February. What can we expect from the performance and why should someone book tickets to see it?
At Sadler’s Wells, on February 9th and 10th, audiences can anticipate a mesmerising showcase spotlighting the São Paulo Dance Company’s diverse repertoire and the vibrant dynamism of Brazilian dancers. Our dancers exude palpable passion, infusing the stage with infectious energy and boundless joy. The performance will encompass three pieces that serve as a reflection of our Company—a tapestry of contemporary ideas and emotions, woven with a distinct ritualistic essence.
Among these, Goyo Montero’s ‘Anthem’ takes center stage, delving into the fragmentation of collective identity and the conflicts born from distance. Using the anthem as a metaphor, this piece navigates the themes of unity and discord, beauty and horror, symbolizing an unyielding cycle of destruction and rebirth. Nacho Duato’s ‘Gnawa’ draws inspiration from Valencia’s Mediterranean essence, seamlessly weaving together the four elements—water, earth, air, and fire—into a sensual performance. Through varied dance and musical expressions, it crafts a ritualistic homage to nature’s beauty and power. Meanwhile, Cassi Abranches’ ‘Agora’ embarks on an exploration of time, delving into its passage, its resonance in memory, and the urgency it imposes. Accompanied by Sebastian Piracés’s emotive soundtrack, the choreography deftly juggles synchronicity and individual expression, mirroring the rhythmic beats of musical time through the dancers’ movements.
Booking tickets for this performance is more than attending a dance show; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of narratives. These pieces not only reflect facets of Brazilian culture but also resonate deeply with universal themes, offering an experience that speaks to the essence of us all.
Get tickets to the Sao Paulo Dance Company‘s performance at Sadler’s Wells here.
Sao Paulo Dance Company is at Sadler’s Wells on 9 & 10 February as part of a 14-venue Dance Consortium tour of Ireland and the UK. More information on the tour dates here: https://danceconsortium.com/touring/sao-paulo-dance-company/