TICKETS

ABOUT RIO BEATZ

Rio Beatz Zouk Festival 2024 is getting bigger and better!

Rio Beatz Zouk Festival 2024

Rio Beatz Zouk Festival is bringing the Brazilian Heat đŸ”„

We are so excited to be growing our event to a festival! We will keep the structure of intensive learning with the best quality teachers and keep the energy at an all-time high!

Rio Beatz Zouk Festival has been created to focus on intensive training to ensure a better development and process of learning. It will provide the students a better understanding of their bodies and the movements. As our Brazilian Beatz slogan says: “We create Dancers”

This incredible weekend will be full of amazing workshops, parties, good vibes and intensives with incredible dance instructors from around New Zealand and the World! Do not miss the chance to learn from these incredible people!

We will have 10 hours of Intermediate/Advanced Intensive training on Tuesday the 1st and Wednesday the 2nd of October 2024 with Freddy & Andressa – Marck & Melyssa – Renata & Jorge – Pedrinho & Paloma. Split into 5 hours per day, passes can be purchased separately for the 2 days or together.

In order to attend the Intensive Training, (Tuesday & Wednesday) it is important that you have had more than 10 months attending regular zouk classes.

Note that the passes for the intensives Tuesday and Wednesday are not included in the full pass for Rio Beatz, happening from Friday-Sunday

GET YOUR SPOT

ABOUT RIO BEATZ

Rio Beatz Zouk Festival 2024 it is getting bigger and better!

This incredible weekend will be full of amazing workshops, parties, good vibes and intensives with incredible dance instructors from around New Zealand and the World! Do not miss the chance to learn from those incredible people!

We will have 10 hours of Intermediate/Advanced Intensive training on Tuesday the 1st and Wednesday the 2nd of October 2024 with Freddy & Andressa – Marck & Melyssa – Renata & Jorge – Pedrinho & Paloma. Split into 5 hours per day, passes can be purchased separately for the 2 days or together.

Note that the passes for the intensives Tuesday and Wednesday are not included in the full pass for Rio Beatz, happening from Thursday-Sunday.

Book your class
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Early Bird 3

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TICKET OPTIONS

Tuesday Intensive - 1st October

Renata & Jorge - Marck & Melyssa
$ 200 Leader
  • Early Bird 3
  • 1 Day Class + Party pass
GET YOURS NOW

6 in stock

Tuesday Intensive - 1st October

Renata & Jorge - Marck & Melyssa
$ 200 Follower
  • Early Bird 3
  • 1 Day Class + Party pass
GET YOURS NOW

4 in stock

Wednesday Intensive - 2nd October

Freddy & Andressa - Paloma & Pedrinho
$ 200 Leader
  • Early Bird 3
  • 1 Day Class + Party pass
GET YOURS NOW

6 in stock

Wednesday Intensive - 2nd October

Freddy & Andressa - Paloma & Pedrinho
$ 200 Follower
  • Early Bird 3
  • 1 Day Class + Party pass
GET YOURS NOW

6 in stock

2 Days of Intensive

Tuesday & Wednesday
$400
$ 360 Leader
  • Early Bird 3
  • 2 Days of Classes
GET YOURS NOW

3 in stock

2 Days of Intensive​

Tuesday & Wednesday
$400
$ 360 Follower
  • Early Bird 3
  • 2 Days of Classes
GET YOURS NOW

3 in stock

Weekend Pass + Parties

(Doesn't include Tue/Wed Pass)
$ 380 Leader
  • Early Bird 3
  • 3 Days of classes and parties pass
GET YOURS NOW

8 in stock

Weekend Pass + Parties

(Doesn't include Tue/Wed Pass)
$ 380 Follower
  • Early Bird 3
  • 3 Days of classes and parties pass
GET YOURS NOW

8 in stock

Couple Pass + Parties

It need to be a leader and a follower
$760
$ 720 Couple Pass
  • Early Bird 3
  • 3 Days of classes and parties pass
GET YOURS NOW

3 in stock

LEARN FROM THE BEST

Our Line Up

INSTA-F&A
Learn More About Andressa & Freddy
INSTA-Layssa
Learn More About Layssa
INSTA-J&R
Learn More About Juliana & Rafael
INSTA-LEO
Learn More About Leo
INSTA-K&C
Learn More About Kat & Corwin
INSTA-M&M
Learn More About Marck & Melyssa
INSTA-N&Y
Learn More About Natasa & Yuri
INSTA-Paloma
Learn More About Paloma
INSTA-P&D
Learn More About Phoebe & Dharsh
INSTA-Pedrinho
Learn More About Pedrinho
INSTA-S&T
Learn More About Shannon & Trajano
INSTA-R&J
Learn More About Renata & Jorge
INSTA-S&B
Learn More About Sarah & Bruno
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Start Your Journey

Hundreds of creative and performing classes

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— Discover the dance —

Contact

  • Rio Beatz - 2023 - All rights reserved
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Location

  • Christchurch NEW ZEALAND

Freddy & Andressa

They are both Brazilians, specialized in Brazilian Zouk due to their years of experience studying and teaching in Rio de Janeiro – Brazil, in the most respected Zouk school in the world, where they were also formed as teachers, and due to their many years traveling around the globe spreading this dance in many different countries.

Other dance styles like Jazz, Classic and Contemporary Ballet, were studied for long years increasing their techniques.

Worked as ballet dancers for Walt Disney World Brazil making Disney Parades in different states within Brazil. After successfully introducing, developing and establishing Brazilian Zouk and Samba de Gafieira in Moscow – Russia for 2 years, they currently have been developing the same dances in Helsinki – Finland, where they built one of the best Zouk scenes in Europe when it comes to quality, and also, organize the biggest Zouk Festival of Scandinavia.

Owners of the Helsinki Dance Central – Dance Academy, and champions in many different Zouk competitions, they also judge several Zouk Championships and Jack & Jill competitions around the world.
Freddy and Andressa have became highly respected teachers and performers and one of the main couples spreading Brazilian Zouk world wide!!

Layssa Valentina

Layssa Valentina has been a bubbly and happy soul since as a child. Her nickname was “risadinha” which in portugues means “little laugh”.
Her bright personality and love for movement became stronger when 2 of her best friends from school were doing ballet lessons and after watching her first ballet performance she was completely in love. Her dance journey started right away when she was 13 years old at Ballet Sandra Castro. Since then she never stopped.
She learned from great schools like Petite Danse, Centro de Danca Rio, Conservatorio Brasileiro de Danca in Rio de Janeiro and also was part of Marcia Pinheiro Dance Company from 2007 to 2010, until she finds her love for Brazilian Zouk.
Layssa joined Renata Pecanha’s dance company in 2007 where she learned all brazilian partner dance styles like Samba de Gafieira, Bolero, Forro, Soltinho and of course, Brazilian Zouk. It was love at first sight.
She performed, won competitions and taught representing Renata’s company for 2 years dancing with Leonardo Neves, until they together decided to fly solo.
Layssa and Leonardo builded an amazing career together for 6 years, beeing the youngest dance couple in the scene to travel all over Europe, Russia and Australia but also all around Brazil. Their partnership came to an end in 2012, where Layssa decided to move to Adelaide and settle opening her own dance school along with Arthur Santos for 7 years.
They together travel all over the world being well know by their precise and deep understanding of technique and mentoring great numbers of dancers through the years.
Now, Layssa is flying completely solo in her new journey to self discovery where she completed her degree in Contemporary Dance at ACArts, Yoga Teachers Training, Reiki 1, Transcendental Meditation and going deeper in her Yoga knowledge to bring together her new dance method where the intention is to help you find surrendering and understanding in dance from the inside out. Her methodology is called ‘Zouk Soul Flow’ and she offers 200 hours Brazilian Zouk Teachers Training & Retreats in Bali and overseas.

RAFAEL & JULIANA

Friends and part of the same dance company since 2008, Juliana Lima and Rafael Pitarello became official dance partners in 2011 and started to develop different projects and choreographies since then, including being part of important events and festivals around the world.

In 2016, they moved to Brisbane – Australia, where they have been promoting and strengthening the Brazilian dance culture, with an emphasis on Brazilian Zouk, Samba de Gafieira, Bolero and Lambada, as part of the Rio Rhythmics Latin Dance Academy team and teaching at different events around Australia and overseas, such as Casa do Zouk, Brisbane Zouk Festival, BraZouky, Dutch Zouk Congress, Samba Treffen, NZ Latin Dance Championships.

JULIANA LIMA

Juliana has always been passionate about dance, after doing Jazz for a few years she decided to take a trial partner dance class (Danca de Salao- ‘the Brazilian Ballroom’) when she was just 14 years old and hasn’t stopped since. Being part of different festivals and events competing with Jazz and partner dance choreos, she decided to dive deeper into dancing by taking a specialization course for partner dance instructors and choreographers with a two year duration. Ju is also graduated in Social Communication with an emphasis on Public Relations by Cásper Líbero Foundation, SP- Brazil, and further developed her studies in health and fitness by becoming an authorized Fitness Instructor in Australia.

RAFAEL PITARELLO

Rafael has always been connected to Brazilian culture through music and dance. Parading as percussionist in Carnaval since he was 11, Rafael started his dance journey when he turned 16 and has been developing his career since then, being part of various events, festivals and dance congresses, including joining the Dancing Team of Costa Cruises for two seasons (2010-2011 and 2011-2012) touring around Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. In order to have a deeper understanding about movement, exercise and health Rafa graduated in Physical Education with specialization in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Physical Education by the Dante Pazzanese Cardiology Institute – SP, Brazil and has a project where he teaches elderly people how to keep active through dance.

Leonardo Neves

Leonardo Neves is the (Directors & owner of Brazilian Beatz Dance Academy) began dancing at 8 years old as an after school program, this is where his passion for Dance began. From this, Leo spent the next 6 years attending various dance schools in Rio de Janeiro, studying Bolero, Soltinho, Samba De Gafieira, Samba no pé, Lindy hop, Salsa and Forro.

When he was 12 years old, Leo began learning from Zouk creators; Renata Peçanha and Adilio Porto, in their Dance Company. Here Leo studied Brazilian Zouk, and other Brazilian and Latin Dance styles for 7 Years. Over this time he performed with the company at different events including Congresses and Theatres. He competed with various dance partners and won 1st Place in the “Onda Zouk“ Competition with his dance partner at the time; Vanessa Ferreira, Which was the first Brazilian Zouk Competition in Rio de Janeiro. After some time he became the dance partner of Renata Pecanha, travelling, teaching regular classes, Workshops, Congresses and performing with her across Brazil at the age of 15.

From 2009 to 2012 Leo traveled both Nationally (in Brazil) and Internationally teaching and performing from small events to some of the biggest Congresses in the World With His dance partner at the time Layssa Liebscher.

At the beginning of 2013 Leonardo started his new partnership with Becky Crystal. They traveled all around the world teaching in many countries such as Czech Republic, Brazil, Ukraine, Netherland, Switzerland, Cyprus, USA, Australia, Bali, Singapore, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Spain, New Zealand, Belgium, Austria, Croatia and many others, where they were invited by local teachers and organisers to help the local communities and teachers to grow with their dance. Leo also travels with Becky Crystal to give teachers courses around the world so the local teachers can grow their communities with quality .

Leo is an instructor in Christchurch, New Zealand, teaching Brazilian and Latin Dance Classes, specialising in Salsa, Bachata, Brazilian Zouk, Forró, Samba No Pé, Kizomba, Boléro, Soltinho, Samba De Gafieira, Merengue, Funk, Axé, Lambada and other dance styles.

He studied 3 years of Tap dance, Ballet, Contemporary, contact & Improvisation, Capoeira and other styles.

Corwin Ruegg

Corwin:

Corwin Ruegg delivers over 12 years of experience and knowledge in various Latin styles. His journey started with a Bachelor of Music, majoring in musicianship and music theory, before he discovered Latin dance.

 

Corwin discovered Brazilian Zouk in 2011 and quickly fell in love with the style. He jumped at every opportunity to learn from both local and international instructors. In 2015 he became a student of Professional International Instructors Leo & Becky and joined their dance company Brazilian Beatz Dance Academy where he has continued to train as both student and instructor with Leo Neves. He’s taught at Leo and Becky’s events Brazilian Zouk intensive training event; Rio Beatz and Bachaotearoa and he continues to further his knowledge with highly regarded industry professionals in New Zealand and overseas.

 

He is known on the stage as a talented choreographer and performer, successfully competing in many competitions both nationally and internationally and uses his connection, floor-craft, and passion for musicality to be a versatile lead on the social dance floor.

Kat Maxwell

Kat Maxwell ignited her passion for dancing in 2013 when she first discovered Brazilian Zouk. Already dancing Latin styles such as Salsa, Bachata and the Brazilian dance Samba De Gafieira since 2012 in Christchurch, she soon started training in Forro, Bolero, Soltinho, Funk, and Samba no Pe with Leo and Becky at Brazilian Beatz Dance Academy in Christchurch, NZ. She has since added Cha Cha and Contemporary as an addition to her repertoire.

Kat is trained in education, she studied at the University of Canterbury in a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in Primary Education. This coupled with her training with Leo and Becky at Brazilian Beatz as their student since 2015, part of their team from 2016, and then as one of their teachers since 2017, Kat has extensive experience in teaching holistically, incorporating various learning styles into her pedagogy.

Training with Leo and Becky as part of their team at Brazilian Beatz has inspired her to take the skills and techniques she has learnt to competitions in New Zealand, Australia and Brazil. She has taught at Leo and Becky’s events; RioBeatz and Bachaotearoa along with other events throughout NZ, Australia and Bali.

At the beginning of 2020 Kat travelled to Brazil for 6 weeks of intensive training in Brazilian Zouk, to progress her own dancing and to bring back the information, flavour, and passion for her students. This trip saw her competing in the Rio Zouk Congress Intermediate Jack and Jill and completing her certificate in Renata Peçanha’s 2020 week-long Teachers Course. Since then, she has completed Kadu and Larissa’s Teachers and Judges training, and continues her mentorship with Leo Neves, teaching, attending classes, and training every week.  As she believes that being a teacher means being a student for a lifetime.

Marck & Melyssa

International Brazilian Zouk and Lambada dancers
and teachers from SĂŁo Paulo, Marck & Melyssa, known
by the versatility of styles, energy and technique, began
their studies together and partnership in 2017.
Creators of the group “Geração SĂŁo Paulo” which aims
to promote the SĂŁo Paulo’s Brazilian Zouk and Lambada
scene in Brazil and in the World.
They started their international career in 2019, since
then, they have already traveled to 24 countries, sharing
their passion everywhere they go.
They competed in many national and international
Brazilian Zouk and Lambada competitions, such as: IZC
SĂŁo Paulo – Professional 2017 and 2018: IV International
Rio Zouk Competition – Professional 2018; Brazil Zouk
Open – Professional 2019; Brazil Latin Open – Professional
2019, reaching the podium in all of them; and they’re the
current winners of the Brazilian Zouk World
Championship Showcase online.
Partners and best friends, M&M want to bring people
the happiness that the art of dance brings them,
through a mix of the essence and modernity of Brazilian
Zouk and Lambada.

Natasa 

Natasa Adam’s dance journey began at the age of 4 with ballet and contemporary dance. With 14 years of performance experience, she’s a dance arts college graduate in Greece.

Natasha’s repertoire expanded beyond contemporary to include Latin and Bollywood dance. She’s a prominent member of Greece’s first Bollywood dance academy, captivating audiences at festivals across Europe.

In 2015, Natasha encountered Zouk, and it quickly evolved into a fiery passion. Her journey led her to train under renowned international Zouk instructors. Come 2023, Natasha embarked on a transformative chapter, training with Leo and joining the esteemed Brazilian Beatsz team.

Natasa’s dance story is a testament to unwavering dedication, ever-evolving artistry, and a lifelong love affair with the magic of movement.

Yuri

Yuri started his dance journey in Christchurch, New Zealand, dancing Ballroom at the age of 8. Over the course of 2 years, he qualified for silver medals in both Latin and New Vogue with high commendations for the NZ federation of dance teachers inc., along with many first, second, and third placings. Over the next 10 years he danced Ballroom intermittently while focusing on his schoolwork in Primary and Secondary schools.
​
Yuri then went to the University of Canterbury in 2015. It was there that he discovered the University Dance Club – U Can Dance which reignited his passion for dance, this time in Street Latin styles such as Salsa, Bachata and Merengue, and Modern Jive. This led to his discovery of Brazilian Zouk through a 5-week specialty course. After seeing the artists demo, he was hooked, and after the 5-week course was completed he participated in Christchurch’s contingent of the Worldwide International Zouk Day.
During this time he also joined Latin Fire to further pursue Salsa, Bachata and Cha Cha to which he then competed and performed with their team.
​
Yuri soon joined Leo and Becky at their newly opened school Brazilian Beatz Dance Academy to learn Brazilian Zouk from them which then developed into joining the Brazilian Beatz Team, and then the Teachers Team in 2017. Being a part of the Team at Brazilian Beatz gave Yuri the opportunity to learn and develop in the Brazilian styles of dance such as Brazilian Zouk, Samba de Gafieira, Samba no Pe, Bolero, Forro, Soltinho and Funk.

He has competed nationally in NZ and internationally in Australia in Brazilian Zouk. Placing third in 2018 in the Novice category in the international competition Jack & Jill at Casa Do Zouk on the Gold Coast, then progressing him to Intermediate. He then placed first in the team’s category with Brazilian Beatz, another first in the open freestyle section with Kat Maxwell, both in 2019 at the South Island Latin competition in NZ.

Yuri has an extreme eye for detail, logic and problem solving and has been DJing at Brazilian Beatz for the last few years. This along with his training with Leo and Becky has developed his passion in teaching, giving emphasis to technique, and making dance feel natural and comfortable, giving his students the skills and knowledge to adapt to any kind of music to make any dance enjoyable.

Paloma Alves

Paloma Alves has a degree in journalism. She started her dance studies at Renata Peçanha Dance School. Here, she honed her skills in rhythms such as Samba de Gafieira, Bolero, Soltinho, and Forró, always with dedication and special attention to Brazilian Zouk.

In 2011, she started participating in significant congresses and competitions, gaining recognition in the dance community and propelling her career forward.
By the following year she had established herself in the dance scene, teaching Zouk classes at an international level.

She had a partnership with William Teixeira, they made a remarkable impact offering classes on musicality, fundamentals, and many other concepts related to Brazilian Zouk.
Continuing her development as a multi-faceted artist, Paloma began investing in her career as a DJ in 2014, deepening her studies in the musical and rhythmic harmony of sets with smooth transitions appreciated by all Zouk dancers.

Paloma Alves identifies with the professional-apprentice concept because she is always absorbing knowledge through the experiences brought by her students during her classes. She believes in exchange, receptivity, and freedom. She has dedicated herself to improving her related knowledge, connecting dance to practices such as Kundalini Yoga and the Feldenkrais method of conscious spontaneity. Recently, she developed her own method of teaching for followers, encouraging the autonomy of the movement, in which the practitioner finds stability by taking ownership of the structures.

Nowadays she dedicates herself mainly to her solo career, with face-to-face thematic workshops, private lessons, online courses, and DJ sets.

Phoebe

Phoebe has been dancing since she was 3 years old and has over 25 years of collective dance experience across Ballet, Gymnastics, Latin Ballroom, and Zouk. Her love for Zouk took over in 2011 and has been her primary focus ever since, leading her to study extensively all over the world. She has been teaching Zouk classes and performance teams for 7 years and will always continue to learn and develop so she can pass her knowledge onto students. She sees Zouk as a graceful conversation between two people and her love for the style has pushed her to be a skilled dancer and teacher.

Drarsh

Dharshana is originally from Sri Lanka and has lived in Auckland, New Zealand for 20 years. He trained and competed in Tae Kwon Do until a friend dragged him to a Salsa class. After discovering Zouk it became his focus, and he has been training and teaching the style ever since.
Dharshana has competed nationally and overseas and won numerous titles in Zouk and Salsa. He has trained multiple performance teams that have gone on perform in several New Zealand congresses. To him, Zouk is an art form and he loves being able to share it with others in the community and see them grow in confidence and skill.

Pedrinho Mattos – Founder/Director/Teacher of UKDC

Dance, teacher and choreographer

Pedrinho comes from Brazil and started to dance when he was only 10 years old. In 2005 he enrolled in a course for professional dancers in Rio de Janeiro at the Jaime Aroxa Dance School. The course was completed after 5 years and encompassed all the Brazilian Ballroom dances (Bolero, Samba, Tango, Forro, Brazilian Zouk, Rock soltinho, Samba de Gafieira).
The course concentrated on musicality, body awareness, teaching, running classes and performing.
In 2009 entered a dance competition in Dance festival in Rio de Janeiro and took second place, dancing Brazilian Zouk
In 2010 Pedrinho moved on to work for a Renato Veronezi dance company in SĂŁo Paulo as a teacher, choreographer and performer.
During 2012-2013 Pedrinho travelled around Europe teaching workshops and performing at many Zouk and Samba congresses.
Pedro currently works with all the Brazian ballroom styles which have developed over the years.
Pedrinho finally found Linda Urgosova and they now teach and perform around The world.

Together they have created the biggest Dance school in UK where they are growing the Zouk Scene on a daily basis

The school bring a high quality progressive system on a very carefully design Program with different levels created by Pedrinho

Today we are over 150 students at UKDC
With 2 different schools in London.

Trajano and Shannon

 

Trajano and Shannon, talented Instructors, Dancers, and Choreographers hailing from Argentina and New Zealand, share a captivating dance journey spanning over a decade. With diverse training backgrounds—Shannon excelling in Jazz, Hip Hop, Salsa, and Contemporary, while Trajano specializes in Martial Arts, Capoeira, Salsa, and Contemporary—they have found their artistic outlet in the world of Brazilian Zouk.

Under their brand, ZOUK ART, they channel their passion into teaching, workshops, private sessions, and mesmerizing choreographies. Since 2012, their globe-trotting pursuit of excellence in Brazilian Zouk has made them a well-acclaimed duo in the national and international dance scene.

Jorge Peres

Jorge Peres is a registered professional dancer with the Brazilian Association of Dança de Salão and is a highly versatile instructor and performer as well as a Capoeirista (Capoeira Artist).

His repetoire includes Zouk Lambada, Pourterican and Cuban Salsa, Samba de Gafieira, ForrĂł, Merengue, Soltinho, Jive, Rhumba, ChĂĄ ChĂĄ ChĂĄ, Bolero, Waltz, Maxixe, traditional Lambada and Lamba AerĂłbica. He is also undertaking training in Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary dance.

He is a highly sought after instructor at Zouk congresses throughout Brazil ,Europe, North America, Australia and other countries such as Brazil Central, Casa dp Zouk, Canada Zouk Congress and Dutch Zouk Congress.

He has been Renata Peçanha’s partner since January of 2009, with whom has developed one solid work and renowned all of the world.

A seasoned performer Jorge has danced in shows by some of Brazil’s most famous singers such as Beth Carvalho, Luiz Melodia, Tñnia Alves, Karla Sabah, Trio Virgulino and Marcello Furtado.

Jorge has also become a regular DJ at many popular dance hot spots throughout Rio de Janeiro.

Renata Peçanha

Renata Peçanha is a registered professional dancer with the Brazilian Association of Dança de Salão and is a highly versatile instructor and performer. She is one of the directors of Brazilian Zouk Dance Council.

Her repetoire includes Brazlian Zouk, Lambada, Pourterican and Cuban Salsa, Samba de Gafieira, ForrĂł, Merengue, Soltinho, Jive, Rhumba, ChĂĄ ChĂĄ ChĂĄ, Bolero, Waltz, Maxixe, She has also background in Jazz Dance, Modern Dance ,Contemporary dance and Ballet.

She founded her academy in 2000, of which she is the principle dancer, choreographer and director. It has become one of the most reputable and well known dança de salão academies in Rio de Janeiro. She rules one Dance Company since 2008.

Dubbed the “Queen of Zouk Lambada”, Renata is the most well known female Zouk Lambada dancer in Brazil and needless to say, her academy specialises in Zouk Lambada. Renata worked with Jaime Arîxa’s Company for 6 years, Brazil’s premier dance academy. Together with Adilio Porto she created one methodology for teching Brazilian Zouk, which is recognized all over the world.

Renata has choreographed and danced for many reputable television shows and soap operas in Brazil.

Together with her partner Jorge Peres, with whom she has been dancing since 2009, she is a highly sought after instructor at Zouk congresses throughout Brazil ,Europe, North America, Australia and other countries such Brazil Central, Casa dp Zouk, Canada Zouk Congress and Dutch Zouk Congress.

She also organises Zouk and Lambada events such as Zouk in Rio, and the International Rio Zouk Congress, in Rio de Janeiro.

SARAH EVANS

Sarah is a professional choreographer, stage performer and dance instructor, with over 23 years of experience in dance and performing arts.
Sarah has lived with dance in her life for the past 23 years. She started ballet classes when she was just 2 years old at Sayers Dance Centre in Kenmore, Brisbane. For the next 17 years she completed her Royal Academy of Dance Examinations in Ballet. As well as ballet, Sarah also studied and performed contemporary and Jazz styles.
For the last nine years Sarah has been an instructor and choreographer for ballet and jazz to students as young as 3 to the senior dancers.
With a strong interest in the academic study of health and movement, Sarah completed her Bachelor of Clinic Exercise Physiology at QUT, becoming an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA).
During her studies she completed units focusing on areas such as Functional Anatomy, Exercise Psychology, Exercise Physiology, Exercise and Sports Nutrition’s, Motor Control, Biomechanics, Resistance Training and Sports Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation. She now runs strength and flexibility classes for ballet dancers.
After 17 years of ballet, Sarah discovered a new love in the world of dance! She was introduced to a starter Latin dance class at Rio Rythmics, in the wonderful West End area of Brisbane. Discovering the range of Latin Dance styles and distinctive music captivated Sarah, who immersed herself in learning a variety of styles including Brazilian Zouk, Salsa, Bachata, Samba de Gafieira, Samba no Pe, Bolero, Tango, ForrĂł and Merengue.
In 2017 Sarah & Bruno founded the latin dance school Bossa Latina,in Brisbane & started their dance partnership together. Since starting their partners, they have performed and instructed at Zouk Sensation – Singapore, Casa do Zouk, Sydney Latin Dance Festival, Sydney Spring Zouk Festival,the Sunshine Coast Latin Festival, Brisbane Zouk Festival, Brisbane Latin Festival, Brazouky, Australian Dance Cup, Doudoule, New Zealand Salsa Congress, and regular local functions and events around Australia.

Bruno Ferreira

Bruno is a professional choreographer, stage performer and dance instructor, with over 29 years of experience in dance and performing arts.
Born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and immersed in the colourful, rhythmic culture, Bruno grew up with a keen interest in dance. At the age of 14 he joined Mimulus Dance School. Having a natural talent for dance, Bruno very quickly fell in love with it and knew that he wanted to pursue it professionally.
Mimulus Dance Company is one of the most renowned Latin Dance companies in Brazil. Within, a year of being a student with Mimulus, Bruno was performing in the Mimulus Dance Company amateur group and by the age of 18 was teaching a wide variety of dance styles. A few years later Bruno received his professional registration and began teaching, performing, choreographing, and directing in a professional capacity.
Over the 20 years dancing for Mimulus Dance Company, Bruno acquired distinguished talent in all popular Brazilian and Latin dance styles including: Samba no pe, Samba de Gafieira, Bolero, Soltinho, Tango, Cuban Salsa, Forro, Brazilian Zouk, Milonga, Lindy Hop, Waltz, Tango Waltz, Bachata and Merengue. He also had the opportunity to travel the world and perform with the company in numerous theatres, festivals, congresses and workshops across South America, The United States, Canada, and Europe. During this time, Bruno was awarded best male dancer of 2004 and 2010 by SESC-SATED/MG (The Syndicate of Artists and Technicians in Minas Gerais), best male dancer of 2004 by USIMINAS- SINPARC/MG (Syndicate of Producers of Performing Arts in Minas Gerais), and Nominated as one of the ‘Top 3 most influential dancers of the decade’ by SESC-SATED/MG in 2007.
During this time, Bruno also completed a Bachelor of Physical Education and a Masters(POS GRADUATION) in Dance Pedagogy. This enabled him to further develop his knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. This in-depth understanding of how the body works differentiates Bruno from other dance teachers who may have only danced socially but may have little understanding of movement. Rather than just teaching a sequence of moves, it allows Bruno to have a deep understanding of co-ordination, transference of weight, and connection with the floor and your partner- all essential for learning correct technique. Most importantly it helps Bruno to teach in the safest way possible, helping his students look after their body’s individual needs and limitations.
In addition, Bruno has complimented his latin dance training and education with extended classes in circus skills, acting, acrobats, classical ballet, contemporary dance, contact and improvisation. All of which give him a better understanding of balance, coordination, flexibility, strength and connection .This extensive and eclectic mix of studies assisted Bruno in forming his own unique funky style.
He has completed his Latin Dance Judges Seminar and Certification with Billy Fajardo in 2018.
In 2017 Sarah & Bruno founded the latin dance school Bossa Latina,in Brisbane & started their dance partnership together. Since starting their partners, they have performed and instructed at Zouk Sensation – Singapore, Casa do Zouk, Sydney Latin Dance Festival, Sydney Spring Zouk Festival,the Sunshine Coast Latin Festival, Brisbane Zouk Festival, Brisbane Latin Festival, Brazouky, Australian Dance Cup, Doudoule, New Zealand Salsa Congress, and regular local functions and events around Australia.