Marco da Silva Ferreira CARCAÇA Portugal

Inspired by the rave scene and traditional Portuguese dance, Marco da Silva Ferreira and his cast of 10 performers move between past and present.

CARCAÇA explores tools of cultural construction through the encounter of Portuguese folk dances and contemporary street/clubbing dances.

What do we want to preserve; what do we want to transform; and what do we want to forget?

CARCAÇA is shortlisted for the Rose International Dance Prize, a brand-new biennial prize created by Sadler’s Wells for original dance creations in any style from across the globe. Sadler’s Wells will present the four shortlisted pieces on its main stage 29 February – 8 January 2025, each work selected for its inventive and daring choreography.

Credit José Caldeira

Marco da Silva Ferreira was a professional swimmer, prior to discovering street dance in his hometown at the age of 16. He received a degree in physiotherapy before fully dedicating himself to dance, first as a dancer and then as a choreographer from 2015. It was after winning the Portuguese version of So You Think You Can Dance that Marco moved from commercial to contemporary dance, working with acclaimed choreographers such as Hofesh Shechter.

Dance Umbrella Festival audiences may have previously seen Marco’s work førm inførms, part of Via Katlehong’s Via Injabulo, performed at Sadler’s Wells in 2023.