XAVIER DE SANTOS

I am a Bristol/Bath-based freelance movement practitioner, focusing on performance, choreography, movement directing, and education, as well as working as artistic director and co-founder of AllouAqui Dance Theatre. Within my professional creative practice, I have worked within the collaboration between dancers, actors, and other creatives, blurring the lines between disciplines; stemming from my training, and current practice, where I focus on interdisciplinarity and the theatricalisation of the moving body.

 

My dance journey started as a little boy, watching my mother boogying around the house, leading me to Balleteatro in my home town, Porto, Portugal where I trained in physical theatre for three years. I then moved to the UK, and gained a first-class BA (hons) degree from Bath Spa University in Contemporary Dance, where I am now an associate lecturer for the Acting and Dance degree. Most recently, I started a Master's programme at Middlesex University, London, in Sep 2023. This MA in Professional Arts Practice is allowing me to question, develop and research my Movement and Interdisciplinary practice. 

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As a movement artist, my practice has also allowed me to create for the screen. Over the years, I have also worked in the field of digital media, developing my skillset and knowledge in many areas such as film, photography, editing, directing and producing for the screen, from concepts to final edits. A major element of my filmmaking practice comes through my collaboration with other artists, creating short films that are showcased across the world, and have won various awards.