Margarida Macieira - Rehearsal Director

Margarida Macieira is a Portuguese freelance dance artist, Gaga teacher, educator, and event producer. Residing in Vancouver, Canada, Margarida has cultivated a diverse career spanning multiple cities, including London (UK), Tel Aviv (Israel), Lisbon (Portugal), and Vancouver (Canada).

Margarida's artistic journey began at the Academia de Dança Contemporânea de Setúbal in Portugal, where she honed her skills in ballet, Graham technique and choreography. Seeking further growth, she moved to London in 2013 to attend London Contemporary Dance School, where she graduated with a 1st BA (Honors) in dance. 

In 2018/2019, Margarida deepened her understanding of contemporary dance pedagogy by participating in the Gaga Teacher Training program in Tel Aviv, Israel. Supported by the GDA Foundation in Portugal, she had the opportunity to explore the innovative movement language developed by renowned artists such as Ohad Naharin, Bosmat Nossan, and Saar Harari.

Driven by her passion for education, Margarida pursued a Master of Education degree at Simon Fraser University. Specializing in Contemplative Enquiry and Approaches in Education under the guidance of esteemed educators Dr. Heesoon Bai, Dr. Laurie Anderson, and Dr. Charles Scott, Margarida developed a unique lens through which she approaches dance education and integrates contemplative practices within the artistic process.

As a freelance dance artist, Margarida has performed on international stages with acclaimed companies including Gil Kerer Dance Company, Jean Abreu Dance, James Cousins Company, Company Chameleon, and Voirelia Hub. Her collaborative approach and technical versatility, encompass contact improvisation, partnering work, choreography, composition, singing, voice work, theatre, and performance.

Beyond her performing career, Margarida has assumed roles as General Manager for EDAM Dance and Co-director of Addo Platform. Through Addo Platform, she has created opportunities for dancers to engage in workshops, regular classes, and the presentation of their work and creative processes. 

Margarida's choreographic endeavours have involved collaborations with esteemed organizations such as ADCS, Dance Company Dancestreams, Healing Movement, Simon Fraser University, and Lamondance.

Margarida Macieira's career is distinguished by her dedication to dance education, community-building, and artistic exploration. She hopes to inspire communities to embrace collaboration, growth, and creative expression.