About Carlos J. Martínez

Connecting contemporary dance, Afro-Caribbean heritage, choreography, and transformative education across borders. Based in Leeds, working globally to foster movement as a vital form of knowledge, reflection, and cultural exchange.

Movement as embodied knowledge and dialogue

At the heart of my practice is a belief in movement as a vital form of knowledge, connection, and transformation. Across performance, choreography, research, and teaching, I draw deeply on my Cuban and Afro-Caribbean heritage to create spaces where lived experience, cultural memory, and critical dialogue meet. Working internationally, I connect diverse movement traditions to question dominant perspectives, celebrate collective wisdom, and explore how dance can become a platform for social change.

International stages and artistic leadership

My career has evolved across celebrated institutions and independent companies worldwide. From performing with Danza Contemporánea de Cuba, Cuba’s national contemporary dance company, to establishing an extensive performance and rehearsal director career in the UK with Phoenix Dance Theatre and Northern School of Contemporary Dance, I bring profound international stage experience. As Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Echo Ground Dance Co. and CCo-artistic director of Co-Danza, I lead creative projects, commission work, and mentor emerging performers across borders.

Decolonial pedagogy and academic research

Holding a Master of Arts in Dance Teaching and Facilitating, I actively bridge the studio and the academy. Through curriculum innovation, guest lecturing, mentorship, and practice-led research, I work to integrate Cuban and Afro-Caribbean movement methodologies into higher education and conservatoire training. My goal is to foster inclusive, decolonial frameworks that empower students, artists, and researchers to expand contemporary dance discourse.

“Working across borders, Carlos connects diverse movement practices and perspectives to challenge dominant ways of thinking, celebrate collective knowledge, and explore dance as a catalyst for genuine transformation.”

Carlos J. Martinez — Choreographer, Performer, and Researcher