André Silva: 16 Years, One Company, and the Next Generation

André Silva does not view his career as a series of separate jobs. He sees it as a single, continuous practice that has evolved from pure performance into a blend of teaching, choreography, and physical maintenance. At 40, he is still a principal dancer with Texas Ballet Theater, but his daily focus has shifted toward how he transmits his art to the next generation.

Silva arrived in the United States at 14 with a specific goal. He wanted to be a professional dancer. Three years later, he auditioned for Texas Ballet Theater. Then-artistic director Ben Stevenson gave him a corps de ballet contract. It was a rare opportunity to join a professional company at such a young age.

"I would have done whatever it took to get to my dream," Silva said. He has been with the company for 16 years. During that time, he moved from the corps to the principal ranks. His relationship with the stage has deepened, but the physical demands remain intense.

Silva describes ballet as a collision of athleticism and artistry. Audiences often see only the grace and lightness of the movement. They do not see the impact. A dancer must absorb the force of landing from a high jump and make that impact look effortless. "That’s the thing about dancers, we don’t get to show how hard that landing is," he said.

As Silva has aged, his routine has changed. He no longer relies solely on natural talent. He now treats his body like a machine that requires specific inputs. Strength training, flexibility work, balance exercises, and nutrition are now as critical as rehearsal. Mental preparation is also a fixed part of his daily schedule. This discipline allows him to continue performing at a high level.

Artistic freedom is the other factor that has kept him in Fort Worth. Silva believes that performance requires a balance between control and surrender. He must manage his technique, but he also has to allow the emotion of the music to guide his movement. "Performing is about feeling it in your heart," he said. "You have to control it, but then you also have to let it control you."

This philosophy extends to his work as a choreographer. He views the process as starting with a blank canvas. He translates abstract ideas into movement for other dancers. Teaching has become a major part of his career. He does not just instruct students on footwork. He teaches them the emotional context and the thought process behind the steps. "You’re teaching the feeling. You’re teaching lines. You’re teaching the thoughts behind the steps," he said.

Silva credits Ben Stevenson as his most important mentor. Stevenson helped shape his approach to teaching. Now, Silva finds satisfaction in watching younger dancers achieve breakthroughs. He sees their progress as a reflection of the community that has supported him for over a decade. Partners, dancers, teachers, and crew members all contribute to the success of each performance.

His goal for his legacy is not just a list of roles performed. He wants to inspire younger dancers to work hard and seek constant evolution. He believes that growth is a lifelong process. Experience has changed how he moves. He no longer rushes through his work. He makes time for every aspect of his craft.

When asked if he could perform for another 16 years, Silva left the possibility open. "I would hope so," he said. "But time will tell."