Today we’d like to introduce you to Fábio Mariano.
Hi Fábio, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Fábio Mariano and I am a professional ballet dancer, I am originally from Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) but currently I am based in Memphis, TN.
Dance came into my life after my interest in ballet was ignited by a famous ballerina I saw on TV. I was 14 years old when I had the courage to ask my parents if I could take ballet classes. Unfortunately, ballet has been seen by society mostly as a female gender activity until today (which is not true), and because of that, I feared asking my parents to do it. Little did I know that my parents would be the most supportive they could be!
After a few years of dancing, it was time for me to decide what I was going to do for college, another time I feared telling my parents that ballet was what I wanted to do as a career. Seeing the difficulties that artists went through in my home country, my parents worried about my choice, but always supported and trusted me to make my own choices.
Having started training ballet late wasn’t easy, I had a lot to catch up on, and people younger than me were at a level I was far from. My own teachers doubted me. But I trusted myself, I trusted I could and my parents were always there for me.
I trained at a professional dance school for 5 years and during that time the thought of giving up crossed my mind several times, but something stronger always made me keep going until I graduated. The feeling of mission accomplishment was definitely satisfying, even though I was mentally drained.
I thought the hard times were over, but no, it was time to find a job. That mission was not easy, specifically in Brazil. Fortunately, I was offered a position at a small dance company in Campos dos Goytacazes (Rio de Janeiro), during the 2 years I was there I grew so much as a dancer and ballet teacher.
After 2 years, the government cut funds for the company, and, after I had tried auditioning for all the companies I was interested in in Brazil and hadn’t gotten any offers, I decided to try auditioning in the USA, a place I always dreamed of working.
Finding a company that will offer a job is difficult, but a company that will offer a work visa is harder. Fortunately, I was offered a contract to a company in New Jersey, without hesitation I accepted it and that was the beginning of my career in the USA. Of course, there were struggles with moving to a new country, but I knew I had to sacrifice some things to start a new life, I was confident that things would get better.
Regardless of the difficulties, I kept working hard and expressing my art as much as I could and that made me happy. After a year, I was offered a position in a company in Memphis, TN. Even though I didn’t know anything about Memphis, it was a good opportunity and I took it.
I am so glad I did because living in Memphis has been a gift, I grew so much professionally and personally, and I built strong relationships. Hard work pays off, that’s why I keep doing it and don’t have any intention of stopping. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road!
The career path I chose was a difficult one, but the one my heart was pointing to and that’s what mattered to me. Some of the struggles include people doubting me, prejudice, distance from my family, the uncertainty of what was to come, and physical injuries.
My love for dance and art was always bigger than all the struggles though, and that surely kept me going.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a professional dancer, more specifically ballet.
My profession consists of learning choreography, rehearsing, and performing in theaters around the country and the world. I think I should not be the one to say what I am known for, but I believe my artistry and commitment to my craft stands out.
What I am proud of and what I think sets me apart is my hard work on keeping my technique fresh, always trying to perfect my art physically and artistically.
Any big plans?
Aside from dancing, I am a ballet teacher, and giving back what I have learned through my years of experience is very important to me.
I still have so much to learn and experience but my plan is to keep giving back to the coming generations of artists in all the ways I can.
A dancer’s career usually ends relatively early compared to other professions, so I am not sure yet what other path I will take in the field, but I don’t intend to leave the dance world. I don’t like to plan too far ahead, the present is more important to me.
Contact Info:
- Email: fabiocmariano@gmail.com
- Website: fabiocmariano.wixsite.com/fabiocmariano
- Instagram: Instagram.com/fabiocmariano
- Facebook: facebook.com/fabiocmariano
Image Credits
Dancers of Memphis, Arquive, Raphael Baker, Ariel Colbert, and David Roseberry
