Ingrid Silva is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She began her formal ballet training at the age of 8 at Projeto Dançando Para Não Dançar. Danced at Deborah Colker school and Escola de Dança Maria Olenewa. She has also been apprenticed with Company Grupo Corpo in Brazil. After entering the Univercidade da Cidade College for dancers, she decided to follow her passion and traveled to New York in 2007. That summer, she attended the Dance Theatre of Harlem Summer Intensive Program and afterward joined the school’s Professional Training Program. She became a member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble in 2008. Ms. Silva has also performed with Armitage Gone! Dance performing GAGA-Gaku at the Joyce Theater in 2011. And now she’s in the Dance Theatre of Harlem Company. Dance Mogul Magazine is honored to present Ingrid Silva, an example for the youth overseas to look up to so that they know that all things are possible with discipline, dedication, and hard work.
Dance Mogul Magazine Exclusive…
Dance Mogul: At what age did you discover your passion for the arts?
Ingrid Silva: I discovered my passion for arts when I was 8 years old. My mom signed me up for swimming, gymnastics, and ballet classes. Then, I fell in love with ballet.
Dance Mogul: Who were some of your early inspirations?
Ingrid Silva: Ana Botafogo who was the first ballerina of the Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro for over 20 years. She is the greatest ballerina of all time in Brazil.
Dance Mogul: Were your parents supportive of your passion for dance?
Ingrid Silva: Yes, they have been very supportive since I started, especially when I got the opportunity to come to NYC to dance at Dance Theatre of Harlem.
Dance Mogul: When did you know that you could become a professional?
Ingrid Silva: I realized it in 2008 when I joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem ensemble and getting the opportunity to travel all over the United States.
Dance Mogul: How did you balance pursuing higher education and your dance training?
Ingrid Silva: Unfortunately, nowadays my dance life is so demanding that I needed to take a break from pursuing my college degree in dance.
Dance Mogul: You have had numerous opportunities and accomplishments, what have been some of your most memorable?
Ingrid Silva: My most memorable accomplishment by now is being able to come to the US at age of 18, without friends and/or family, no English and make it through a professional ballet company.
Dance Mogul: What was it like growing up in Brazil and having dreams of being a dancer?
Ingrid Silva: My most memorable accomplishment thus far is being able to come to the US at age of 18, without friends and/or family, no English, and make it into a professional ballet company.
Dance Mogul: What advice would you have for the younger generation of dancers that want to become professionals?
Ingrid Silva: In my opinion, focus is the key for those who want to make dance a professional career. Dance requires so much dedication and discipline that if you do not keep your focus, it becomes even harder.
Dance Mogul: How do you get the younger generation to understand that the discipline in dance is the same discipline that needs to be executed in an educational setting?
Ingrid Silva: When you want to succeed, in any field, dedication and discipline are indispensable. Not being disciplined, either in dance or in education, you will not get the best of you.
Dance Mogul: How important is it that dancers try to leave legacies instead of bits and pieces of momentary satisfaction?
Ingrid Silva: To leave a legacy in dance is recognition of your whole career, not just a good moment that you had. When I think about Ana Botafogo or Arthur Mitchell, it comes to my mind all the things they did for dance and for their community, bringing inspiration to young people.
Dance Mogul: What are you currently doing now to elevate your craft?
Ingrid Silva: I’ve been working hard. Every day, I try to absorb as much as I can from my rehearsals and classes.
Dance Mogul: Do you feel a publication like Dance Mogul is needed to connect the Professionals with the next generation to help guide them to their goals and aspirations?
Ingrid Silva: Yes, I do because publications like Dance Mogul can show and share professional dancers’ experiences and ideas with the younger generation. It is a valuable tool of inspiration for them.
Dance Mogul: Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you on your journey?
Ingrid Silva: I would like to thank my family for always believing in me and supporting my career. I’d like also to thank Projeto Dancando Para Nao Dancar that opened the doors of dancing to me and also Dance Theatre of Harlem for showing me dance at another level and giving me the opportunity to become a professional ballet dancer.
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