Irlan Silva: From Favela to Boston Ballet First Soloist

BOSTON – Irlan Silva was 14 years old when he first visited America. As a young Brazilian ballet dancer from the most violent favela, or urban slum, in Rio de Janeiro, Silva traveled to New York to compete in the 2005 Youth America Grand Prix. It was his first international dance competition, and he returned home with first prize. But one award wasn't enough. In 2008, he returned to the competition and earned Best Contemporary Dancer and first place in the Pas de Deux, which is choreographed fo

BOSTON – Irlan Silva was 14 years old when he first visited America. As a young Brazilian ballet dancer from the most violent favela, or urban slum, in Rio de Janeiro, Silva traveled to New York to compete in the 2005 Youth America Grand Prix. It was his first international dance competition, and he returned home with first prize. But one award wasn't enough. In 2008, he returned to the competition and earned Best Contemporary Dancer and first place in the Pas de Deux, which is choreographed fo…