How did you get into dancing?

My first introduction to dance was at a young age through family and other social dance gatherings at the village where I grew up. While in high school I was a part of dance teams, where I choreograph and performed.

My African dance journey started later on, when my ballroom dance partner who loved Kizomba invited me to come along to Barrio Latino. It was there that I met Mauro (my dance partner) and Petchú, whom I started taking Afro Tribal classes from.

What projects are you currently working on?

I am currently working with Vanessa Ginga Pura on ginga courses for ladies. I am a member of Ballet Tradicional Kilandukilo with whom I do weekly rehearsals and perform. I am also exploring my partnership with Mauro, as well as developing other parallel partnerships and solo projects which will be released in 2019.

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

Performing with Tabanka DJaz for their 25th career anniversary at Coliseu de Lisboa.

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

If you are mainly into Kizomba/Semba, try your hardest to actively pursue greater knowledge of the culture you are delving into. Invest time and money in your musicality training, as well as Afro Tribal as a foundation for movement. And above all, dancing is about sharing, not about competing.

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

I will be travelling and teaching quite a bit through Europe, and above all else focusing on cultivating the self by enhancing my leading skills and teaching methods.