About Us
Our history
SoMar Dance Works features the choreography of Solveig and Mark Santillano. Serving as co-artistic directors, Solveig and Mark are seasoned performers who have danced all over the world. Solveig is a graduate of the Juilliard School of Dance and performed extensively with MOMIX. Mark’s credits include Pilobolus Dance Theatre, Dance Kaleidoscope, and the National Tour of A Chorus Line. The influence of these associations can be seen in their choreography, which is known for its artistry, physicality, wit, and creativity.
SoMar Dance Works premiered in 1999 at the Missouri Fine Arts Academy. Since that time the company has performed at the Erie Festival of Dance, Celebrate Erie, The Sweden Maine Arts Festival, the American College Dance Festival, Unitarian Universalists in Community concert, Luther Memorial Concert Series, and numerous Mercyhurst University programs, where the company is in- residence.
SoMar Dance Works has appeared in concert with Lake Erie Ballet, and Dafmark Dance Theatre. SoMar also has received numerous grants from the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts and has self-produced dozens of events, including: SoMar Dance Works in Concert; A Desperate Cry for ATTENTION!; Nature Calls, Once Upon a Story; Sweet & Savory; Slice of Life; Circles and Cycles; Movers & Shakers.
Solveig’s and Mark’s choreography has been performed by the San Diego Civic Dance Company, Playhouse Dance, Dance Ensemble, Company, the School Of Performing Arts of New Milford, Erie Dance Conservatory, Lake Erie Ballet, the Mercyhurst Dancers, MOMIX, and Pilobolus Dance Theatre.
Now heading into it’s 25th year, SoMar Dance Works has grown into a company with thirteen dancers.
the company
Solveig & Mark Santillano, co-directors
Solveig Santillano holds an MFA from Hollins, MA from Wesleyan University, and BFA from the Juilliard School of Dance. Performance credits include Anna Sokolow, Ruby Shang, Prometheus, Spencer/Colton, Momix. Now an associate professor at Mercyhurst University, Santillano is co-founder and co-director of SoMar Dance Works (somardanceworks.com). She is passionate about collaborations and enjoys using her art for advocacy concerning issues of social injustices. Santillano currently studies with William “Bill” Evans, NDEO, is a proud recipient of the inaugural Erie Arts and Culture Artist Fellowship. She serves on the National Advisory Committee for National Water Dance and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being in nature, mentoring students, deepening her yoga and meditation practices.
Mark Santillano has had a multifaceted career in the arts. As a dancer, choreographer, educator, photographer, videographer, video editor, musician, composer, writer, and actor, Mark may not have done it all, but he has done quite a lot. Bringing these many skills together, Mark enjoys creating interdisciplinary, multi-media dance works that range from the poignant to the preposterous. He has performed around the world with Pilobolus Dance Theatre and as a proud member of Actors Equity Association, his credits include international tours of Broadway musicals. Mark is currently an Assistant Professor at Mercyhurst University. Along with his wife, Solveig, he co-founded and co-directs SoMar Dance Works. Together, they received the inaugural Erie Arts & Culture Artist Fellowship.
the dancers
bios coming soon