Augusto Soledade, MFA
Professor of Theatre and Dance
College of the Arts
Dance can carry history, identity and memory in ways words cannot. Augusto Soledade’s work explores that power through Afro-Fusion, a choreographic approach that brings together African and Afro-diasporic movement traditions with contemporary global forms to create new ways of telling stories on stage and on screen.
Soledade’s research is rooted in personal and cultural experience, shaped by his early life in Brazil and engagement with diverse artistic communities around the world. He has developed Afro-Fusion not only as a style of movement but also as a framework for creative scholarship. As he describes it, his approach creates a dialogue between different ideas of “home,” using movement to explore identity, belonging and cultural connection.
A defining aspect of Soledade’s work is its expansion into film. His dance film Oxowusi reimagines choreography for the screen, treating the camera as an active partner rather than simply recording performance. Through editing, framing and sound, the film creates a new kind of movement language that extends Afro-Fusion into a cinematic space while preserving its cultural depth. The project has been screened at festivals across multiple continents and recognized with competitive awards.
That global reach reflects a broader impact on the field, where, as School of Theatre and Dance director Tiza Garland noted, Soledade is a choreographer of significant global standing whose work demonstrates both artistic excellence and sustained international recognition. His contributions span performance, film and scholarship, including published work that situates Afro-Fusion within the broader context of the African diaspora.
In addition to his work in film, Soledade continues to create major stage productions. His recent collaboration Corpos examines Black masculinity, vulnerability and memory through movement. The project challenges traditional assumptions about strength and emotion, presenting a more nuanced portrayal of identity that resonates across audiences and cultures. Its premiere at a leading French choreographic center and subsequent tour highlight the scale and reach of his work.
Looking ahead, Soledade is developing new projects that continue to expand Afro-Fusion across media and technologies, including work that incorporates digital tools and explores new forms of storytelling. Through choreography, film and scholarship, he is helping reshape how dance is created, experienced and understood, while bringing African diasporic perspectives to the center of contemporary performance.