How did you get into dancing?

At the beginning I didn’t like to dance. In my neighbourhood there were already several dance schools, but I was never interested in learning. My sister in law was part of a school there and she always invited me to join her, which I would accept but when it was the time to go, I would always run away.

I started having some interest in learning to dance when a friend from my neighbourhood invited me to her birthday party. During the party the DJ was playing different music styles when suddenly he plays a Semba and my friends, who were dancers and part of dance schools in the neighbourhood, asked me to dance. I didn’t know what to say because I didn’t even know how to hold a lady. At that party, there was a “camba” (Angolan expression for mate/buddy) who already knew how to dance and when the “damas” (Angolan expression for ladies) found out, he started getting all the dances all the way whilst I got to keep the DJ company.

From that moment I became interested in learning to dance. The next day I spoke with my sister in law and she told me “today you won’t escape!”. I said ok and on this occasion, when the time came, I joined her at the dance school where I started learning my first steps and base moves. Since that moment, I’ve been in love with dancing and it is now part of my life.

What projects are you currently working on?

In addition to some others that I can’t reveal just yet, at the moment, I have two main important ongoing projects. I have the honor of being the 2018 champion and I’m taking this title with love and affection. I have worked so hard for this title that I’m enjoying every day as if it was the last. As you might know, I am part of Tukina, a project that I am involved and has been my door to the kizomba/semba world, as well as to the champion title because it was where it all started. Tukina and being champion, are my current projects in the long run.

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

There are many moments, but I’m sure you’ll know which one I’ll highlight. Being champion is another level, and is one of those once in a lifetime experiences that marked my life as a dancer.

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

1) – Focus on your goals.
2) – Dance with your body and soul, because I love what I do regardless the level or place that I am. Don’t aim to please everyone, because not everyone will be able appreciate who you are.
3) – Be humble and know how to respect ideas and views from others.
4) – Despite the difficulties in life you can’t stop dreaming of being what you want to be and achieve as a dancer.
5) – Rehearse every day, and each day try to work on something different.
6) – Listen to the music even when not dancing or rehearsing.
7) – Having someone as an inspiration will help a lot!

What can we expect from you for the rest of 2019?

Suprises! Just know that many good things will happened this year!