Fernando describes the work as “an integrated process that encompasses the discussion of movement language, sound research for building the show’s soundtrack, immersions/specific classes, aimed at developing thought and understanding.”
For the choreographer, the challenge is to develop work that conveys relevant information. “It has been an intense adventure. For that reason, I’ve been dedicated to finding sensitive and responsible ways to approach this theme,” he explains.
Throughout his career, philosophy and schizoanalysis were crucial to shaping Fernando Martins’ ideas, adding knowledge to his studies. In addition, he established important artistic partnerships, including his role as co-founder of Random Collision in the Netherlands, a project dedicated to supporting young choreographers in their research and artistic productions. He also collaborated with Dutch scientist Tom Postmes on the Experiment A project, deepening his relationship with the themes addressed in his choreographic works.
The choreographer says he learned of the work of the Cia de Dança do Pantanal through dancer and choreographer Wellington Julio. “I followed his work on social media, and that’s how I ended up connecting with the group. Although I’ve only known the company for a short time, I’ve been delving deeper into the Moinho Cultural project as a whole. It has been a revealing and enjoyable experience to move through this space,” he reveals.
Martins states that Moinho Cultural plays a crucial role by offering education and training in various fields for children and teenagers. “The initiative is powerful, it expands and boosts these young people’s possibilities, giving them a broader view of the world we live in. The Moinho Cultural team is fundamental in promoting citizenship and social inclusion for all the families involved,” the choreographer points out.
For Moinho Cultural’s executive director, Márcia Rolon, the presence of a new choreographer, with Fernando’s experience, presents new challenges for the Cia do Pantanal and strengthens them with a powerful repertoire within a creative process that involves the dancers.
“Since the creation of the Cia de Dança do Pantanal, we have sought interaction, exchange and discovery with other dancers, choreographers and creator-performers. This has already become part of the company’s essence and, certainly, is reflected in everything we create. We believe this process is fundamental within our creation and, above all, in the way we see the world and translate it through dance,” she states.
About the Company
The Cia de Dança do Pantanal was created in 2017, in Corumbá, on the border with Bolivia, being one of the integrated actions of the Instituto Moinho Cultural Sul-Americano. The purpose from the start has been to provide access and professional opportunities to dancers from South American social projects, as well as to represent the Pantanal region, promoting dance with a repertoire that includes neoclassical and contemporary pieces, created by national and international choreographers.
