I was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and began my training in music at age 3.  By the age of 7, while living in northern Brazil, I started  my training in dance at Studio de Danças, under the direction of Ruth Rosembaum. By the age of 14, I was invited to join the company, dancing principal roles, such as Les Sylphides, and The Nutcracker, as well as contemporary works.  By the age of 17, I had already produced, directed, and choreographed a complete performance for my own dance group called Grupo Experimental, which was selected to participate in several dance festivals in northern Brazil. 

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After returning to Sao Paulo, Brazil, I sudied from The Royal Academy of Dancing of London in 1989/1991.  I went on to dance with Ballet Stagium, Ismael Guiser Company, and Grupo Passo a Passo (Cisne Negro Company Dance) and as a Principal dancer with Grupo de Dança Opera Paulista in 1988-1989.  I also danced principal roles with Grupo de Dois, SP, while touring South America.

 

In 1989 I graduated from Instituo Metodista de Ensino Superior, São Paulo, with a major in Psychology, and later went on to earn a post-graduate degree in Child Psychology.

 

In 1990, I received a scholarship to attend The Ballet Teaching Seminar - Russian Method at Western Michigan University and studied with Yurgen Schneider and Janina Cunova.

 

During my travels, I met Fred Garbo, who invited me to work with him and his own international touring company, the Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater Company.  I performed with this company on six continents and all across the United States and Canada. From 1992 to 2015, my extensive touring experience with Mr. Garbo has included venues such as The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Aspen Dance Festival, New Victory Theater on Broadway (for two theatrical runs), The Symphony Space in NYC, The Edinburgh International Festival in Scotland, China’s First International Arts Festival in Tin Jin, Ireland International Festival, Wales International Festival, Hong Kong International Festival, and Jus Pour Rir in Montreoux, Switzerland.  I have also toured with Mr. Garbo in Taiwan (performing in 13 cities) and in Japan, which included performances in over 60 cities.  Also during that time, I participated in the International Children’s Festivals across Canada and made a guest appearance on the Rosie O’Donnell show in New York City,  I have also appeared on other TV shows, such as Una Vez Mais in Santiago, Chile, Les Plus du Monde in France, and Variete in Italy. I was especially honored to be included as an entertainer during one of the Muscular Dystrophy Marathon, hosted by Jerry Lewis.

 

Since I moved to the United States, my dance career has expanded, and in my performances I integrate my dance skills with mime and theater arts.  At The Celebration Mime Theater in Maine, I had the opportunity to study mime, improvisation, tumbling, and juggling.

 

In addition to my work with Fred Garbo, in 1993, I was invited to dance with the Portland Ballet as a principal dancer, dancing the “Snow Queen” in The Nutcracker as my signature role. Other principal classical roles that she have performed are Pas de Quatre, Paquita, La Bayadere, Les Sylphides, La Vivandiere as well as several other contemporary works by international choreographers.

 

As an independent choreographer, I have had the opportunity to work with The Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath, Maine, choreographing “Jesus Christ Superstar” in 1997 and ‘Tommy” in 1998; In 2003 and 2005, I choreographed “Amahl and the Night Visitors” for Studio Theater of Bath, Maine, as well as working with the Portland Opera Repertory Theater in Portland, Maine, choreographing “Carmen” in 1995 and 2005, “Faust” in 2002, and “Lucia de Lamemoor” in 2003.

 

One of my proudest achievements was obtaining my American Citizenship in 2000!

 

In 2001, I became the Resident Choreographer for Portland Ballet, creating several pieces ranging from classical to contemporary.  Collaborators have included Baxter School For The Deaf, The Portland Museum of Art, the USM Orchestra, and local elementary schools and high schools.  I have also worked closely with local and international musicians such as Laurence Golan and Shamou Mou.  During 2001, I also became the director of a performing arts school program for pre-professional dancers at the Portland School of Ballet called C.O.R.P.S.

 

After marrying in 2005, I moved to Chicago, IL, but continued my ties with Portland Ballet as a member of the Advisory Board of Directors. In 2007, after giving birth to my daughter, my family and I moved to Charlotte, NC.  In 2009, I  started working with Harris YMCA, developing their curriculum and teaching their advanced-level ballet classes as well as working at North Carolina Dance Theater, now Charlotte Ballet as a teaching artist. Also, while in Charlotte, I was a guest teacher at Open Door Studios, in addition to teaching private lessons and coaching young dancers. 

 

My family and I moved back to Chicago in 2012 and I worked  at Joffrey Ballet Academy teaching their trainees and Studio Company. 

 

Now, being a recent resident of Austin,TX, I'm pleased to have earned a certification in Integrative Nutrition from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition (NY), and enjoying teaching Master classes and coaching dancers in a healthier life.

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I'm currently preparing dancers for the YAGP - Youth America Grand Prix Competition