Olaf Growald
B
orn and raised in Brasilia, Brazil, Silva was only 17 years old when he leapt at the opportunity to join Texas Ballet Theater (TBT) under the artistic direction of Ben Stevenson, O.B.E., in 2003.
“I’m so in love with what I do that it was such an honor to be in a professional company at such a young age,” he says.
As a company member for 12 seasons, Silva has performed several leading roles and, over the last 10 years, has plunged into the choreographic side of the creative process. When comparing choreography and dance, Silva describes the latter as a guided practice, delivering what someone else wants you to do. With choreography, you have to consider everything — the music, the counts, and more.
“I’m always listening for and discovering new music I can use to create a piece,” he says.
Silva has secured choreographic gigs across the country, and he was feeling as if he had finally found his voice when the pandemic hit in mid-2020. Left without a platform to perform, Silva took to TikTok and Instagram to create dance-related content and explore new styles. But the pandemic also brought about a new wave of homelessness Silva saw around his home downtown. While scrolling through his TikTok feed, he happened upon a choreographic competition hosted by New York-based singer Frankie Zulferino for a prize of $1,000 and inspiration struck. Silva entered and was selected as the winner from among more than 1,000 participants. He donated his entire award to True Worth Place in Fort Worth.
“I wanted to help but didn’t have the money at the time,” he says. “Then, I saw this competition and knew right away what I could do.”
As Silva continued to post, his following continued to grow. Collectively, Silva’s social media accounts have garnered nearly 70,000 followers. In the beginning, it was a platform for exploration and expression. Today, Silva considers himself to be a burgeoning social media influencer with the goal of inspiring people to be their best selves and pursue what they love to do.
“I just enjoy being able to support the community in every way I can — whether that’s donating money or sharing my art,” Silva says.
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A behind-the-scenes glimpse of an interview with TBT.
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Enjoying a morning cup of coffee.
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With one hour until curtain, Andre puts his focus in place backstage.
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Warming up onstage with fellow company member Nicole Van Enck.
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Following a year-long performance hiatus, Andre is back in the theater preparing to perform Soldier Doll in TBT’s “The Nutcracker.”
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Standing outside the Bass Performance Hall backstage door with friend Ashley Robbins and her family.
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Celebrating a successful show as Nutcracker Prince with Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
At the Top of Andre’s Playlist
“Smalltown Boy” Bronski Beat
“The Curse” Agnes Obel
“Funnel of Love” Wanda Jackson
“The Fall” Rhye
