Isaura Oliveira
Dancer
- Dance,Multi-Disciplinary
Biography
Isaura Oliveira, is a multidisciplinary artist from Salvador-Bahia with African and Amerindian heritage. She integrates African Brazilian and Amerindian spirituality into her choreographies, combining vocal chants, dance, rhythm percussion, and storytelling. Her work blends ritualistic, dance theater, traditional, and contemporary elements, focusing on art activism to support BIPOC community members.
Education
- Federal University of Bahia, BFA in Dance, 1983.
- University of Salvador, Master’s Degree in Dance Studies, 1990.
- University of Salvador, Master’s Degree in Dance Studies, 1990.
Awards
'- 2023: Boston Dance Alliance Award for Artistic Achievement
- 2018: National Dance Educators Association (NDEA) Award
- 2015: Bessie Award for Outstanding Performance
- 2012: Brazilian Cultural Foundation Excellence Award
2009: Best Choreography Award at the Festival de Dança do Brasil
2005: Best Performance in Dance at the International Dance Festival in Paris
2002: Brazilian National Dance Award for contributions to Afro-Brazilian dance
- 2018: National Dance Educators Association (NDEA) Award
- 2015: Bessie Award for Outstanding Performance
- 2012: Brazilian Cultural Foundation Excellence Award
2009: Best Choreography Award at the Festival de Dança do Brasil
2005: Best Performance in Dance at the International Dance Festival in Paris
2002: Brazilian National Dance Award for contributions to Afro-Brazilian dance
Professional Associations
- 2011-Present: Founder and Artistic Director of Power of Skirts Collective
- 2009-Present: Member of the Latin American Dance Network
- 2006-Present: Co-founder and Artistic Director of Teatro Brasileiro de Dança
- 2002-2010: Adjunct Professor at the School of Dance, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
- 1997-2002: Cultural Consultant for the Brazilian Cultural Institute in Boston
- 1995-Present: Performer and Cultural Educator at various institutions including MIT, Smith College, and Radcliffe-Harvard
- 2009-Present: Member of the Latin American Dance Network
- 2006-Present: Co-founder and Artistic Director of Teatro Brasileiro de Dança
- 2002-2010: Adjunct Professor at the School of Dance, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
- 1997-2002: Cultural Consultant for the Brazilian Cultural Institute in Boston
- 1995-Present: Performer and Cultural Educator at various institutions including MIT, Smith College, and Radcliffe-Harvard
Artist Contribution
Isaura Oliveira enriches Afro-Latinx culture in Boston by vividly bringing African Brazilian dance and rituals to life. As the founder of Teatro Brasileiro de Dança, she bridges audiences with Afro-Brazilian traditions through her compelling performances and supports emerging artists, strengthening cultural resilience and awareness.