Thiago Soares was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, and has been a Principal with The Royal Ballet in London since 2006.
Thaigo has been honoured in recognition of his contribution to the art of ballet receiving the Order of Cultural Merit (OCM), the highest public honour in culture in Brazil.
Thiago said: “I feel extremely honoured for being given this title. It’s a great moment for me and my fellows from the dance community back home. I never thought I would see dance getting this kind of recognition. Thank you all for the beautiful messages and Brazil for giving your artist this remarkable award.”
PHOTO left to right: Chief of Staff of the Presidency Eliseu Padilha, President of Brazil Michel Temer, TS, Minister of Culture Sérgio Sá Leitão and the First Lady Marcela Temer.
The Order of Cultural Merit is the highest honour in the field of culture in Brazil. There are 3 categories of the Order of Cultural Merit: Grand Cross, Commander, and Knight.
For the 2018 edition 6 people were handed the Gran-Cross, 12 were made Commanders and 7 were Knighted, including Thiago Soares.