Paulo dos Santos

Highlights:  

• Paulo dos Santos has always had a passion for movement and performance.  He began dancing and learning acrobatics with his friends in Sao Paulo, Brazil and later became skilled in the art of Capoeira.  

• At the age of twenty, Paulo began participating in theater and joined a touring production of the Wizard of Oz. 

• Paulo was a member of a famous competitive Capoeira group, the Santa Maria and was successful in many of the competitions he participated in, one of which was first place in the National Capoeira Competitions in Brazil. 

Paulo dos Santos  

In Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® Presents DRAGONSPaulo dos Santos is a little person, but don’t let his diminutive stature fool you. He is a powerhouse of energy and laughter for Children Of All Ages. Paulo played sports growing up, and had a passion for movement and performance. He and his friends would teach one another dance moves and incorporate acrobatics. They would practice their routines and have dance competitions on the streets of San Paulo. Ultimately, Paulo became skilled in the art of Capoeira, which is a combination of martial arts moves, dance moves and acrobatics, and is extremely popular in Brazil. 

Paulo’s enthusiasm for performance broadened when, at age 20, he began to participate in theater. He joined a touring production The Wizard of Oz, and discovered that “it doesn’t matter the size of the man, what matters is how capable the man is.” Paulo’s passion for performance was ignited.  

In 2005, while working on a circus production, Paulo first experienced America and loved it. Soon after, he returned to his country to teach Capoeira, and in 2006 became a Master in Capoeira. Paulo’s skills were noted by the leader of a famous competitive Capoeira group, the Santa Maria, and he was asked to be part of this elite troupe. Paulo was successful in many of the competitions he participated in, and as a crowning achievement, won first place in the National Capoeira Competitions in Brazil.  Paulo’s acrobatic skills, performance ability, and dedication caught the eye of Ringling Bros. ^®Producers, Nicole Feld and Alana Feld.  

Paulo reprises his role as the loveable Ringmaster’s sidekick in the 142nd Edition, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®Presents DRAGONS.  Hefeels as though this role was made for him, “I’m so outgoing, and funny, the audience will like me, I can pass all of my great energy onto them,” Paulo says. “I’m privileged to work for Ringling Bros., it really feels like home for me, and I get to show off my acrobatic skills, and perform with the Ringmaster!”