Biography

Irlan Silva received his dance training at the Centro de Dance Rio under the direction of Mariza Estrela. In 2005, he worked with Companhia Jovem do Rio de Janeiro, and with Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro from 2006 to 2008, both under the direction of Dallal Achcar. During this time, Silva worked with important Brazilian and South American choreographers such as Dallal Achcar, Luis Arrieta, Janice Botelho, Roseli Rodrigues, Carlos dos Santos, and Tindaro Silvano.

He has performed numerous principal roles throughout his career, including George Balanchine's Allegro Brillante and Emeralds (pas de trois), Aszure Barton’s Barbara, Christopher Bruce’s Rooster, Florence Clerc's La Bayadère (Golden Idol), William Forsythe’s The Second Detail, Godie Gates’ A Test of Sweet Velvet, Jiří Kylián’s Tar and Feathers, Harald Lander’s Études, John Neumeier’s Third Symphony of Gustav Mahler and Nijinsky, Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker (Harlequin), Marius Petipa and Ivan Liška’s Le Corsaire (Ali), Jerome Robbins’ Interplay, and Antony Tudor’s Continuo. Silva has performed as a Guest Principal in the role of Cavalier in Rinus Sprong and Thom Stuart's Nutcracker in Holland, as well as a guest artist in Rio de Janeiro. He has also starred in the documentary Only When I Dance. 
 
Silva is the recipient of numerous awards. In 2005, he won first place at the Youth American Grand Prix USA and in 2006, he won first place and best dancer at Festival de Danca de Joinville in Brazil. In 2007, he won first place in the Senior Division of Youth America Grand Prix Brazil. Silva won the Best Contemporary Dancer Award at Youth America Grand Prix in 2008 and was a finalist in the Top Twelve Senior Division that same year. He also won a 2008 Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland where he secured a contract with America Ballet Theatre II (ABT II) in New York City. He then moved to the United States to dance with ABT II, American Ballet Theatre’s second company, where he performed at the Metropolitan Opera House for the 70^th Anniversary Celebration of American Ballet Theatre. He also toured throughout the USA, Spain, Italy, France, and Switzerland.
 
Silva joined Boston Ballet in 2011, and was promoted to second soloist in 2015 and soloist in 2016.