How did you get into dancing?

I started dancing at age 13, leading a dance group in my community called ‘Roots of Africa.’ Besides the great passion I have for this art, the dance was part of an intervention project with children and young people in the community. Since that time I have been dedicating myself and investing in knowledge in this area.

What projects are you currently working on?

At this moment besides the festivals where I participate giving several workshops, I am dedicated to my project aimed at training in the African dance sector. GINGART is a project that aims to share and defunct the techniques and roots through formations, bootcamp and retreats, in which students can deeply understand the universe behind these dances. Since the beginning of the year I have organized training for WOMEN with the objective of helping them work on femininity, to empower their skills as teachers, getting to know the Ginga Universe as classes, sharing how this idea came about and the techniques. These classes have been created as support and empowerment for women.

What’s been the most memorable moment of your journey as a dancer so far?

Apart from the prize of merit and recognition received over this 22-year career, I highlight the award received by the Traditional Ballet Company Kilandukilo in which I grew up and graduated as a professional. Now, as a being that makes art, the most participation in the project of social intervention in Brazil while monitoring and founding this company in Recife / PE was very remarkable.

What advice would you give to up & coming dancers looking at you for inspiration?

“Believe that we can always do more” no one can stop you but yourself. Whether teacher or student, never forget that dance is an endless universe. So learn, share, and above all be happy because dance is party and joy.

What can we expect from you for the rest of 2018?

In addition to 5 courses for scheduled teachers, in which I highlight the II edition of the Ginga intensive course that is a retreat for women to be held in September. I will be present at some festivals around the world. For those who are part of the events where I will be, you can expect the energy, the knowledge I have always taught and some technical innovations, the result of the work I have been developing in my GINGART project.