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DANCER SPOTLIGHT

Getting to know company artist
CAIO RODRIGO

Original from PiraĆ­ (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), Caio lived in Atlantic City, NJ before moving to Memphis to join Collage Dance Collective in 2018.

When did you begin dancing and how did you get started?
Since I was 4 years old I used to play with my cousin Karini that she was my dance teacher. One day my mother Celma was at my brotherā€™s school and a teacher was asking if someone knew a boy who could be in a dance performance. Since I was always playing and moving around, my mom took me to a rehearsal and since then I never stopped dancing!

For the new dancer and even the young trainee, what advice would you give?
Never give up because of pain, be patient because perfection takes time.

What’s your favorite quote and why?
ā€œBallet is important and significant – Yes. But first of all, itā€™s a pleasure.ā€ – George Balanchine

Caio's Favorite Quote

ā€œBallet is important and significant - Yes. But first of all, itā€™s a pleasure.ā€

What’s your favorite part of being a professional dancer and why?
The process of creating choreographies, because I can really work on receiving the information from the choreographer and translate it to what they want to show with the movements and musicality.

Why should people experience a ballet performance at least once in their life?
So they can feel inspired by how such a hard work can become so smooth. So they can understand how arts can change someoneā€™s life.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to know about you?
In the USA people are surprised when I say that Iā€™m Brazilian and that Iā€™m 22. Also, because of my personality, people are often surprised that Iā€™m a very religious guy.

If you weren’t a professional ballet dancer what would you be doing?
I would be a nutritionist and a massage therapist.

What are some people, places or things that make Memphis home for you?
Collage feels like a family to me. I love hanging out with my friends at Overton Square, Railgarten or at somebodyā€™s house because I used to do that a lot back home in Brazil.

When you’re not training long days or touring with the company, where can we find you in Memphis?
At Planet Fitness working out, at the Overton Park or at Rumba Room.

Who’s your biggest fan?
My family and my first ballet teacher have always been my biggest supporters.

What’s your favorite part of being a professional dancer and why?
The process of creating choreographies, because I can really work on receiving the information from the choreographer and translate it to what they want to show with the movements and musicality.

Why should people experience a ballet performance at least once in their life?
So they can feel inspired by how such a hard work can become so smooth. So they can understand how arts can change someoneā€™s life.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to know about you?
In the USA people are surprised when I say that Iā€™m Brazilian and that Iā€™m 22. Also, because of my personality, people are often surprised that Iā€™m a very religious guy.

If you weren’t a professional ballet dancer what would you be doing?
I would be a nutritionist and a massage therapist.

What are some people, places or things that make Memphis home for you?
Collage feels like a family to me. I love hanging out with my friends at Overton Square, Railgarten or at somebodyā€™s house because I used to do that a lot back home in Brazil.

When you’re not training long days or touring with the company, where can we find you in Memphis?
At Planet Fitness working out, at the Overton Park or at Rumba Room.

Who’s your biggest fan?
My family and my first ballet teacher have always been my biggest supporters.

Must have item in your dance bags and dressing room?
Sweet snacks!

How are you staying busy, sane and in shape, at home these days?
I am spending time learning Italian and learning to play the guitar. I usually call family and friends to exercise with me and Iā€™ve been doing online dance classes.

What music artists are you listening to right now?
Billie Eilish and Sam Smith.

Best movie you’ve seen this year?
Parasite.

What TV shows are you binge watching to make it through the quarantine?
Brazilian soap operas.

First place you plan to go to when we can go “out” again?
Any Island.

Photo credit: Images captured by Mohammed Al-Taher for @DancersofMemphis and Kim Madsen @kimamadsen. Video captured by Pigeon Roost.