MONICA SILVA MACHER

Tenured Associate Professor | Artist | Researcher

Email: silva.m@pucp.pe | Phone: +1 646 403 5007  Location: Lima, Peru / New York, NY

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Academic leader, educator, and artist with over 30 years of experience in the performing arts. Her work bridges institutional leadership, choreography, and interdisciplinary research, with a specialized focus on contemporary dance, improvisation, and embodiment. She has held high-level administrative roles, including Head of the Performing Arts Department at PUCP, where she led curriculum reforms and founded key academic initiatives.

EDUCATION

• Doctoral Fellow in Dance Education | Teachers College, Columbia University (Expected 2028)

• Master of Arts in Dance Education | New York University (NYU), Steinhardt School of Education (2003)

• Bachelor of Education | Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú - PUCP (1997)

ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP & APPOINTMENTS

• Tenured Associate Professor | Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (2018–Present)

• Doctoral Fellow & Assistant | Arnhold Institute for Dance Education Research, Policy & Leadership, Teachers College (2024–Present)

• Chair of the Academic Department of Performing Arts | PUCP (2021–2024)

• Directed management for four undergraduate majors (Dance, Music, Theater, Creation) and two Master’s programs (Musicology and Performing Arts).

• Founded Kaylla, the first peer-reviewed academic journal for performing arts at PUCP.

• Established CEDARES (Center for Documentation and Research in Performing Arts).

• Member of the Rectoral Commission for cultural policies and guidelines at PUCP.

• Director / Coordinator of the Undergraduate Dance Program | PUCP (2017–2020)

• Led the design of the 2020 competency-based curriculum.

• Directed the International PUCP Dance Festival (4 editions) and the PUCP Creation Festival (2 editions).

• Designed and established the Diploma in Dance Pedagogy

• Head, Educational Quality Office – Peruvian University of Applied Sciences UPC (2005–2006)

GRADUATE & UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) | Faculty of Performing Arts

• 2017: Professor of the course: Performance Criticism and Analysis. M.A. in Performing Arts.

• 2013–Present: Professor of the courses: Bodily Exploration 2, Dance Teaching Methodology, Dance Theory, and Senior Project 1. B.A. in Dance and B.A. in Stage Creation and Production.

• 2004–2014: Professor of the courses: Modern Dance, Oral and Bodily Expression 2, and Principles of Dance. Faculty of Communication Arts and Sciences.

Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC)

• 2012–2015: Professor of the course: Bodily Intelligence. Faculty of Management and Pedagogy.

• 2005–2009: Professor of the course: Creativity Workshop. Department of Humanities.

Guest professor

• 2015 Movement Improvisation Workshop. Held at the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA), Mexico City, Mexico.

• 2024 Performativities and Formative Processes in the Arts (Graduate Program). São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Arts (IA)

Consulting

• 2023 Instructor of Dialoguing with our Body. Faculty Development Program of the Academic Department of Education, PUCP

• 2022 Artistic Residency "TRANSFORMA" Andahuaylillas – Sinfonía por el Perú 

• 2012 Consultant/Instructor for Comprehensive Communication Workshops. Delivered training to all managers and directors at Claro (Telecommunications Company). This contract was secured through the consulting firm PROTACTICA.

PUBLICATIONS

Book Chapters

• Silva, M., & Vieira, M. A. (2024). Good news: A commitment to resistance through the movement of bodies. In N. Calderón & A. Roa Márquez (Eds.), The body of memory: Spaces and archives in resistance (pp. 86–110). Universidad de la República & Universidad Veracruzana. (Uruguay & Mexico).

• Silva, M. (2022). Management in Motion. In Artist-Researchers and Knowledge Production from the Stage. Volume III: A Philosophy of Theatrical Praxis (pp. 413–420). Fondo Editorial ENSAD. (Peru).

• Silva, M. (2020). Challenges of Dance Research in Academia: From School to Faculty. In Which Dances Are Yet to Come? Transit, Poetics, and Politics of the Body (pp. 36–42). ANDA. (Brazil).

• Silva, M. (2016). Borders between Education and Art. Primera Llamada. Ministry of Culture, Peru.

• Silva, M. (2014). A dance that finds itself. Observatorio Cultural. Municipality of Metropolitan Lima.

• Silva, M. (2010). Organizing practice: Thematic axes for a dance movement proposal. In Viadanza: A place for the body in education.

• Silva, M. (2007). Art Education: History of Dance. In Art Education. LIMA: El Comercio S.A.

General Interest Magazines

• Silva, M. (2008). Dancing to know. Mural de Letras (6). PUCP.

CONFERENCES & ACADEMIC EVENTS 

Selected Speaker & Presenter

• Silva, M. (2023). "The Role of Play and Movement in Development" .Held during Early Childhood Education. Academic Department of Education PUCP

• Silva, M. (2023). Artist-researchers: How do we produce knowledge from the stage? Experiences in Peru [Panelist]. Escuela Nacional Superior de Arte Dramático (ENSAD), Lima, Peru.

• Silva, M. (2022). Voices from the South [Speaker]. II CIVES International Congress: Scenic Voices of the South, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru.

• Silva, M. (2022). Contemporary perspectives in arts research [Speaker]. 4th International Meeting of Teacher-Researchers of Arts and Cultures (ENCIDIARTEC), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina.

• Silva, M. (2022). Research, Innovation, and Creation at PUCP [Speaker]. Annual Research Meeting, Vice-Rectorate for Research (VRI), PUCP.

• Silva, M. (2022). Shared Classroom: Use of rubrics in the evaluation process [Speaker]. Institute of University Docency (IDU), PUCP.

• Silva, M. (2019). Social Innovation: Cabildos 21 [Speaker]. Bicentennial Festival, Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM), Peru.

• Silva, M. (2019). Dance research and academic challenges [Speaker]. VI National Scientific Meeting of Dance Researchers (ANDA), Universidade Federal da Bahia, Brazil.

• Silva, M. (2015). Challenges for educational management in the performing arts [Panelist]. I Meeting of Performing Arts Students, PUCP.

• Silva, M. (2009). Dance and the child's body language in early childhood education [Speaker]. Continuity and Teacher Training Program, Editorial Centauro, Peru.

• Silva, M. (2007). Peru in Dance: International meeting on contemporary dance and movement [Speaker and Rapporteur]. PUCP, National Dance Council, and South American Dance Network.

• Silva, M. (2003). Interculturality in Dance Education [Speaker]. Forum: Evaluation in Arts Education, Steinhardt School of Education, New York University (NYU).

Academic Committees & Leadership Roles

• Editorial Committee Member (2025). VI International Seminar on Performing Arts - Technology and Scene: A Constant Transformation. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP).

• Scientific-Academic Committee Member (2023). V International Seminar on Performing Arts - Vital Stages: Affects and Affectivity in Scenic Thought and Practice. PUCP.

• Scientific-Academic Committee Member (2021). Third International Theoretical Meeting (Ettien 2021). Escuela Nacional Superior de Arte Dramático (ENSAD).

• Moderator (2021). Ibero-American Dance Connection Platform: Ibero-American Dance Meeting. Colombia.

• Scientific-Academic Committee Member (2019). III International Seminar on Performing Arts. Department of Stage Creation and Production, PUCP.

• Commentator (2016). International Conference Cycle: Art and Culture in Education. Ministry of Education (MINEDU), Peru.

• Participant (2007). Annual Congress of the South American Dance Network. Brazil.

ACADEMIC AFFILIATIONS

• 2024–Present: Member, Dance Studies and Scenic Practice Research-Creation Group (EDP). Vice-Rectorate for Research, PUCP.

• 2018–2021: Coordinator, Dance, Body, and Scene Research Group (Danza, cuerpo y escena). Vice-Rectorate for Research, PUCP.

ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE & CHOREOGRAPHY

Choreographer

• Silva, M. (2023). Of Yesterday and Today (De Ayer y Hoy) [Performance]. Memory, Truth & Justice Week, Cordoba, Argentina.

• Silva, M. (2022). Good News - Satipo (Buenas Noticias - Satipo) [Community-based performance]. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Peru.

• Silva, M. (2019). Allin Wiyacuykuna [Movement Direction]. Directed by Jano Clavier. Sala de Parto / ANFASEP.

• Silva, M. (2018). All the Dreams in the World (Todos los sueños del mundo) [Movement Advisory]. Directed by Mariana de Althaus. Teatro Británico, Lima, Perú.

• Silva, M. (2017). The Sacramental Act, Ballet of Life (El Auto Sacramental, ballet de la vida) [Choreographic Direction]. Directed by Lucho Peirano. San Francisco Church, Lima, Peru.

• Silva, M. (2017). Dog House (Casa de Perros) [Movement Advisory]. Directed by Jorge Villanueva. TUC / ICPNA Miraflores.

• Silva, M. (2016-2017). Absent (Ausentes) [Movement Direction]. Directed by Rodrigo Benza. Casa Yuyachkani / ICPNA Lima.

• Silva, M. (2016). A Man Sees Another Man (Un hombre ve a otro Hombre) [General Choreographic Direction]. Andanzas Festival, ICPNA Miraflores.

• Silva, M. (2015). Living Together (Vivir Juntos) [General Direction]. Place of Memory, Tolerance and Social Inclusion (LUM) / Tránsito Asociación Cultural.

• Silva, M. (2015). A Winter's Tale (Un Cuento para el Invierno) [Choreographic Direction]. Directed by Alberto Isola. Teatro Británico, Lima, Perú.

• Silva, M. (2015). Do You Want to Be with Me? (Quieres estar Conmigo) [Choreographic Direction]. Directed by Sergio Llusera. Universidad del Pacífico.

• Silva, M. (2015). The Black Continent (El Continente Negro) [Choreographic Direction]. Directed by Alberto Isola. Escena Contemporánea.

• Silva, M. (2015). Pandora [General Choreographic Direction]. Saliendo de la Caja Festival, PUCP.

• Silva, M. (2014). Songs to Watch (Canciones Para Mirar) [Choreographic Direction]. Directed by Alberto Isola. Teatro La Plaza ISIL.

• Silva, M. (2013). Common Line Project (Proyecto Línea Común) (Peru-Chile) [Artist in Residence]. Ministry of Culture / IDEA Internacional.

• Silva, M. (2011). You Will Cook for Me, I Will Dance for You (Tu cocinarás para mi yo bailaré para ti) [General Direction]. Cultural Center of Spain in Lima (Production & Exhibition Award).

• Silva, M. (2011). Airport (Aeropuerto) [Choreographic Direction]. Directed by Marisol Palacios. Teatro MALI.

• Silva, M. (2010). I Was at Home and Waiting for the Rain to Come (Estaba en casa y esperaba que llegara la lluvia) [Choreographic Direction]. Directed by Gustavo López. Teatro Alianza Francesa.

• Silva, M. (2008). Chau Misterix [Choreographic Direction]. Directed by Sergio Llusera. CCPUCP.

• Silva, M. (2008). A Great Roman Comedy (Una Gran Comedia Romana) [Choreographic Direction]. Directed by Juan Carlos Fisher. Teatro Peruano Japonés.

• Silva, M. (2008). Twelfth Night (Noche de Tontos) [Choreographic Direction]. Directed by Rocío Tovar. Teatro La Plaza ISIL.

• Silva, M. (2008). Blue Man (Hombre Azul) [General Direction]. Performance Festival, Mochileros Barranco.

• Silva, M. (2007). There is No Story to Tell (No hay historia que contar) [General Direction]. 100% Cuerpo Contemporary Dance Festival, Alianza Francesa.

• Silva, M. (2007). Just a Story (Puro Cuento) [Choreographic Direction]. Directed by Rocío Tovar. Teatro Peruano Japonés.

• Silva, M. (2003). Peel [Choreography]. Blueprints, NYU Steinhardt, Frederick Lowe Theater, NYC.

• Silva, M. (1999–2006). About to Break / Violin Improvisation / Searching for a Place on the Beach (A punto de romperse / Improvisación en violín / En busca de un lugar en la playa) [Choreographic Direction]. International Dance Day, CND / ICPNA.

Choreographic Direction for Commercials

• San Fernando: “Navilandia” (2012) – Dir. Reichard de Alcocer, PATRIA | Video 

• Movistar (2012) – Dir. Tito Koster, PATRIA 

• Lima Airport Partners: “El Peruanómetro” (2012) – Dir. PLASTILINA | Video 

• Liga Contra el Cáncer (Cancer Awareness) (2011) – Dir. Hery Gates, ZEPELIN Video 2

• BBVA Continental (2010) – Dir. Jorge Caterbona, SIETE SAMURAI | Video 

• BCP (Banco de Crédito del Perú) (2010) – Dir. Jorge Caterbona, SIETE SAMURAI Video

• Oechsle (2010) – Dir. Claudio Duran, NO PROBLEM | Video 1 

• Oechsle (2009) – Dir. Toño Sarria, FAT FREE | Video

• BBVA Continental (2009) – Dir. Jorge Caterbona, SIETE SAMURAI | Video

Dancer

• Silva, M. (2013). Absurd Repertoires (Repertorios Absurdos) [Dancer]. Directed by Cori Cruz. Small Format Dance Residency, Municipality of Lima.

• Silva, M. (2012). INXILIO [Dancer]. Directed by Álvaro Restrepo. FAEL Festival, Teatro Municipal de Lima.

• Silva, M. (2012). Catalima [Dancer]. Directed by L. Meléndez & M. de la Rocha. Plazuela de las Artes, Lima.

• Silva, M. (2011). Ostrich Head (Cabeza de Avestruz) [Dancer]. Directed by L. Meléndez & M. de la Rocha. Teatro Agárrate Catalina.

• Silva, M. (2010). The Shadow (La Sombra) [Dancer]. Directed by Guillermo Castrillón. Teatro Alianza Francesa.

• Silva, M. (2009). Short Corpus (Corpus Breve) [Dancer]. Directed by Pachi Valle Riestra. ICPNA International Dance Festival.

• Silva, M. (2009). Women Who Inhabit Me (Mujeres que habitan en mí) [Dancer]. Directed by Guillermo Castrillón. Teatro Alianza Francesa, Lima.

• Silva, M. (2008). Left Side / Box (Lato Sinistra / Box) [Dancer]. Directed by Guillermo Castrillón. 100% Cuerpo Festival / Teatro ICPNA.

• Silva, M. (2005). Broken Dishes (Platos Rotos) [Dancer]. Directed by Mirella Carbone. Teatro Peruano Británico.

• Silva, M. (2003). Sofia’s Daughter / Peace of Meal [Dancer]. Directed by Kindra Windish. NYU Frederick Lowe Theater / Electric Lounge, LA.

• Silva, M. (2003). To Hell with It [Dancer]. Directed by Tania Acarón. NYU Frederick Lowe Theater, NYC.

• Silva, M. (2003). War Culture [Dancer]. Directed by Renata Celichowska. Judson Church, NYC.

• Silva, M. (2002). It’s All About Love [Dancer]. Directed by Guido Tuveri. Merce Cunningham Theater, NYC.

• Silva, M. (2002). Fires / The Lover (Fires / El Amante) [Dancer]. Directed by Gisela Cárdenas. Women Center Stage / Columbia University, NYC.

• Silva, M. (2002). Sunflowers and Braked [Dancer]. Directed by Sita Mani. Riverside Church / One Arm Red, NYC.

• Silva, M. (2002). Open Structure [Dancer]. Directed by Renata Celichowska. NYU Frederick Lowe Theater, NYC.

• Silva, M. (2002). The Red Shoes (Las zapatillas Rojas) [Choreographic Direction]. Young Choreographers Meeting.

• Silva, M. (2001). Cover Me, Losing Me [Choreographic Direction]. International Student Showcase, Dance New Amsterdam, NYC.

• Silva, M. (1999). The Outburst (El Arrebato) [Dancer]. Directed by Mirella Carbone. II International Dance and Theater Festival, Teatro Segura, Lima.

• Silva, M. (1994). Transparencies: A Solo of Love (Transparencias un solo de amor) [Dancer]. Directed by Liliana Galván. Intilaqhayay Festival, Bolivia.

• Silva, M. (1993) 1st and 2nd Integrarte Workshop Showcase. Centro Cultural de España (Spanish Cultural Center)

HONORS & FELLOWSHIPS

• Doctoral Fellowship | Teachers College, Columbia University (2024–2028)

• Administrative Fellowship | Arnhold Institute for Dance Education (2024–2028)

• Supplementary Scholarship | Rowe Fund - Organization of American States (2025)

• Research Recognition Award | PUCP Vice-Rectorate for Research (2020)

• University Social Responsibility Award | DARS-PUCP (2014)

• Full Scholarship | Dance Space Center, New York (2000–2001)

LANGUAGES

• Spanish: Native | English: Fluent