Artists & Djs

Confirmed Artists for the ZOUK AUSTRIA KONGRESS 2012 are*:

ADILIO PORTO

Adilio's dance career started 1989. In that year he met Jaime Aroxa – the internationally renown Brazilian Stardancer and choreograph. He learned Tango, Salsa, Zouk, Samba de Gafieira, Bolero, Modern Dance and some Ballet with him and developed not only into an amazing dancer but also into being one of the most influential Zouk teachers of Brazil. In the 90s Adilio brought Zouk to São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Goiânia and Brasilia, where his teaching has remained fundamental up to today. Apart from that he has performed in various shows, films and has been on TV, partially also as part of the Jaime Aroxa Dance Company. Since a few years Adilio has been teaching worldwide and passing on his enthusiasm for dance, in countries including the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Denmark, Australia, and Germany. Adilios classes are very thought through and efficient. Nobody leaves the class without a feeling of success. In addition Adilio is a very easygoing, friendly and funny guy whom you will take to immediately.

AILTON SILVA - SHOW VIDEO

Ailton, from Recife/Pernambuco, Brazil learned the traditional dances of his ancestors when he was a child. In 1993 he began his dance training (5 years) in standard dance at the "Dance Academy ETC & TAL" and the "Centro de Danca Jaime Aroxa" in Recife. In 1998 he received further training in dance performance and choreography at the "saturation" Soc. Educacional de Arte de Pernambuco", Recife. He also took dance classes in classical ballet, modern dance and modern jazz. In Brazil, he has worked as a principal dancer in various music groups and street festivals. During 1997 and 2000, he was a teacher and choreographer for forró, samba, bolero, samba de Gafieira, Swing and Salsa in the "CIA. Danca de Terapia Recife. Ailton Silva was invited to Berlin in 2000 from the "Brazilian Follies" as a dancer and choreographer, where he worked for two years. During the "Carnival of Cultures" in Berlin, he worked as a dancer, teacher and choreographer with the group "Sapucaiu no Samba". In the meantime he has other jobs such as: dance therapist at the nursing home "Katharinenhof" in Berlin, dance projects with children from the orphanage Rudow and he has a film project (ZDF production) as a teacher and dancer. Since 2000, Ailton is in Germany and has been teaching Zouk workshops in Berlin and in Europe with dance shows at that time also called Lambazouk. He is the founder and organizer of Artdance Company Berlin and Zouk Berlin, the first international Zoukfestival in Germany.

ALBERTO NUNEZ

Alberto Nuñez, born in the Dominican Republic, has been dancing since his childhood. The feeling for freedom and zest for life, that emerges through dancing, remained as a steady factor in his entire life. During his career he worked not only as a very successful dancer, but also as an effective choreographer in Miami, Mexico, Frankfurt, Germany, the Grazer Opera House, Austria,... 2008 and 2009 he attended the Salsa World Championship in London, was present at the European Championship in Belgium and at the Mayan Salsa Competition in Los Angeles. Being an aspiring and willing person, he is always creating new and different choreographies and dance figures. Constantly searching for new dance challenges he discovered his passion for the dance “Bachata Dominicana” and specialized in it the last two years. Primarily the technique of the footwork and how to lead a partner take Alberto’s workshops to a little special. The dancers feel and experience the lust for life, energy and culture of Latin America.

ALEX LIMA - SHOW VIDEO

Alex Lima is a Brazilian Artist known as 'the ambassador of Salsa' in France. Besides being famous for his Salsa shows and classes, he also teaches and performs Samba de Gafieira and Zouk as well as other dances.

BRUNA SOUZA

Bruna is from Brazil and Mr Dragon's Dance Partner currently living in Holland.

GIOVANNI

Giovanni was born in Bahia but grew up in Belo Horizonte. Already at the age of six he was doing his first dance steps with the ladies who came to his father's bar to dance. His father was happy to see his son learning to dance. However, he did not give his support for his son to take ballet classes later on as "Ballet is not for men".Lambada became very popular across Brazil and the whole world when Giovanni was 12 years old. His father had bought Kaoma's vinil. That was Giovanni's first contact with the dance Lambada together with his sister Maria. Giovanni and Maria won a number of Lambada competitions together. From there Giovanni developed his love towards the stage. He went on to do dance and theatre courses, including painting as well as scenario and costume design. Giovanni started the ballet class in Centro Mineiro de Dancas Classicas, where he later became Danca de Salon teacher where he met a ballet teacher, Katia Cruz. He took Katia's ballet classes and adored Katia's unique teaching methodology. In London he has worked with the best Lambada dancers. Now his dance partner is Ulle Adamson. He has not stopped since then. He has been working and dancing around the world.

IRINA

Irina, born in Moscow, started dancing when she was 4 years old. Has experienced different styles like R’n’B, Bellydance, Salsa, Samba and etc. Zouk-Lambada changed her life in 2009, that year she became a dance partner of Marcelo Bal. Since then she has been participating, teaching and performing with him on international Zouk-Lambada and Samba congresses in Spain, Germany, UK, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Switzerland, Brazil, Russia, has participated in various TV programs. Together with her dance partner she has organized first Zouk events in Russia with participation of Zouk professionals from all over the world. Irina is known for her super sensuality and flexibility in her way of dancing.

JAN & ANNI

Anni and Jan are a modern Zouk couple based in Berlin, Germany. Both have a background in solo dances, she in Dancehall, Reggaeton, Streetdance and Baile Funk and he in Capoeira, Samba, Afro and Samba-Reggae. Together they focus their Zouk teachings on a cascade of musicality, flow-movements and partner techniques topped off with bit of playfulness. Jan is partnering with Ailton Silva as organizers’ of the 1st and 2nd International Zouk Congress Berlin 2010 and 2011.

JESSICA LEPSZY

Jessica was born in Berlin. She started her dance career in 2005 in the artdance company, where she learned all brazilian dances such as Samba, Samba de Gafieira, Salsa, Forro etc. In 2007 she changed over to Latin Ballroomdance, where she danced competitions and regional championships during 2 years. Since 2009 she found her passion within dancing Zouk. She teaches and dances with Ailton Silva, since one year internationally (London, Berlin, Barcelona, Switzerland, Holland etc.). At the moment she is doing a training in contemporary/modern dance, ballet and jazz.

JORGE

Jorge is from Cuba and well known for his Rueda de Casino classes at which he spreads the Cuban Energy and leaves all his students happy and enjoying the dance!

MARCELO BAL

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Marcelo has started dancing at the age of 16 years being a frequent visitor of Ilha de Pescadores, Rio Sampa and etc. His passion for dance made him anxious to sharpen his skills in various dance academies in Rio and soon he became one of the best dancers and Lambada champions in Brazil . His dance career lasts already more then 15 years. Marcelo’s unique dancing style was influences by different dancing rhythms like Lambada, Zouk, Samba De Gafieira, Forro, Salsa, Bolero. He has participated in many international dancing congresses, different TV and stage shows all over the world… Brazil , USA , Europe, Russia . He is the pioneer of Zouk in Russia and has founded the first Zouk School in Moscow in 2008, traveling all over Russia with workshops and shows. Marcelo and his partner Irina are the organizers of first Zouk workshops in Russia with participation of international Zouk stars. Marcelo is well known for his vivid personality, enormous energy and passion in dancing.

MARCELO ESTILO - WORKSHOP DEMO VIDEO - WORKSHOP DEMO VIDEO 2

Marcelo has been a Brazilian dance performer and instructor for most of his life. He has been part of the development of Lambada / Zouk in Brazil since the 90s. In Brazil he has performed and taught Lambada Zouk in many of Brazil’s most renowned and well established dance places and on request of many dance schools has toured Brazil teaching and performing Zouk Lambada, Axe, Samba, Forro,... Due to his passion for dance and to promote Brazilian Zouk and other Brazilian dances, he has traveled to many countries, starting with Argentina in the 90s, where he performed in well known places such as Maluco Beleza or Mais Um and since then many more places across the globe. He has also performed on stage with some of Brazil’s most famous and internationally known singers such as Ivete Sangalo, Harmonia do Samba, E o Tschan, Olodum and Araketu in addition to numerous TV appearances. Whatever kind of dance, Estilo always brings to the dance floor amazing energy, style and a hip swing to look out for! Together with his partner Tania Onca he promotes Brazilian dances travelling to many countries, performing and giving workshops and in some places together they are even responsible for re-introducing the Zouk scene there or establishing it from scratch, like for example in Austria where they also introduced this dance and established and built up the Zouk scene.

MARCOS SIMOES

Without any doubt one the most performance teacher of samba de gafieira in Europe, Marcos Simões has developed a teaching system that combines pedagogical methodologies to the pleasure of dancing, "Malandragem" to the technique, entertainment to refinement of movement. Specialist in ballroom social dance, he uses different methods and styles acquired throughout his career. The miscegenation, the character of Afro-Brazilian dance, the elegance of modern dance and the eloquence of the Brazilian ballroom social dance are the traits that singled out his dancing. During his career as a dancer and teacher, he has participated and won many festivals and national and international championships. As artistic director and choreographer, he has organized several shows of ballroom dancing, among other things: "Dança através dos tempos" and "Dançando Histórias. Moreover, he has been a judge for dance championships. Always concerned about quality as a teacher and dancer, he is constantly studying and modernizing, either in practice or in theory. He uses the resources of Sports Science where he is master, as well different cultures to enliven his lectures, creating a real synergy with his students. Nowadays, he is in Switzerland to share his experience with all the "lovers" of dance, be with students or professionals.

MIKE & THESSA

Mike and Thessa are a beautiful dance couple from Sweden who have devoted most of their lives to dance, music and rhythm in various forms. They both grew up in families in which music has played a major role and they even met at dancing in the 90s. Their common passion for dance has led to several years of competing and instructing a Swedish dance called 'Bugg' where as trained teachers they have over the past ten years instructed a couple thousand students at all levels. One of their key rewards was to see the dancers coming to their classes and parties always having fun and leaving happy! Already at their first Zouk steps they felt the 'addiction' to this dance. Being committed to spreading Zouk in their region, they have been integral to the scenes growth in Sweden. Their mission in teaching is to give their students great tools that allow them to develop as a dancer with emotion, technique and flow. A good foundation is the key to success! Their teaching style reflects openness, joy and respect. Dance is very important to them and they are passionate about transferring their joy and love for it to their students.

MR DRAGON - SHOW VIDEO

Mr Dragon is a Performer, Entertainer, Choreographer, Instructor, Dance Coach and Model who is recognized internationally for his high quality shows, workshops and friendly personality. He was born in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil where he started his dance training studying Brazilian and Latin Dances. Nowadays he has become a very talented dancer… charming, elegant and at the same time vivacious and powerful in his style. He is now specialized in Samba de Gafiera-Solo, Salsa On1-On2-Shines, Forro, Bachata and Acrobatics, and is the Inventor of a style of Zouk, called Zouk Revolution (ZR), which is a very sensual and graceful dance, spreading all over the world. Zouk Revolution is a sensual, gracious and spicy dance to see. Elegance, balance and style are making the dance beautiful, especially when performed with clean body control. What makes Zouk Revolution interesting is the contrast between wavy and \"dreamy\" movements with faster ones, performed with elegance, balance and control. Zouk Revolution is not only nice to see, but amazing to dance! It provides good exercise in strength, flexibility, balance and full body control! At this moment, Zouk Revolution is getting very popular in countries all over the world.

PAPAGAIO

Gabriel Torres, better known by his Capoeira name Papagaio, was born in Fortaleza in Brazil. As well as having made a name for himself in the world of Capoeira, he is one of the foremost teachers and DJs of Lambada/Zouk in Barcelona and throughout Spain . He's been pioner promoting Zouk music in Barcelona and soon moved on to teaching Lambada-Zouk and, together with his partner Olaya. He is the most recognized Brasilian Dj of Spain, gives classes in Barcelona and gives workshops and attends to congresses around the world: London (UK), Uppsala and Stockholm (Sweden), Amsterdam (Holland), Paris (France), Cádiz (Spain), Brno and Prague (Czech Rep.), Dublin (Ireland), Zurich (Switzerland), Porto Seguro, Fortaleza and Sao Paulo (Brazil), Buenos Aires (Argentina)… all DansaBrasil Bcn Congresses and also performing brasilian shows around Spain. Gabriel is a trained Physiotherapist and qualified Method Pilates practitioner. He is currently active with Lambada-Zouk and Capoeria workshops, as well as performing Brasilian shows in cultural events throughout Spain. His continued passion for dance is shared with his partner Olaya and together they radiate warmth, energy and inspiration wherever they go.

RIO DANCE SHOW

Dance group formed in June 2009 in Prague - Czech Republic, by Brazilian friends in order to disseminate the culture, dance and the wonders of Brazil. Specialize in dances of Latin rhythms, the group members have extensive professional experience as teachers and choreographers.
Having effective participation in big events across Europe and South America Rio Dance Show presents to you the beauty, charm and swing from Brazil.

TANIA ONCA - SHOW VIDEO - WORKSHOP DEMO VIDEO

Tania has been teaching and performing Zouk and other Latin Dances since the 90s. Having studied music and being trained in various dances (including ballroom) from early age on, Tania is not only renowned for her dance technique, but also internationally highly recognized for her musical interpretation and creativity with dance and music. Her dance style is highly passionate and expressive while at the same time elegant and graceful. People always love watching her dance 'to' the music and enjoy her enormous creativity and talent as a dancer and choreographer. Driven by Tania’s background with Latin Dances, over the past years Tania & Marcelo have developed their own style of Brazilian Zouk which they perform and teach and which shows the influence and inclusion of elements from other Latin dances such as Argentine Tango, and others. Tania has been invited to perform and teach Brazilian Zouk and other Latin Dances at events all over the world (Europe, South America, Africa, Asia) including many international dance congresses. Her students always praise her impressive knowledge of both, dance and music as well as her dedication and ability to explain the details and convey her knowledge when teaching, thereby making her one of the internationally most highly rated instructors.

ULLE

ÜLLE comes from Estonia, a beautiful little country bordering Russia and Finland. She first started dancing at the age of four, when her mother took her to ballroom classes. For the next six years, Ülle trained with rhythmic gymnastics group, getting training also in classical ballet. At the age of twelve Ülle moved on to a gymnastics/dance show group, where over the next seven years she trained and performed in various dance forms across the whole Estonia. Some of her favorite dance styles from those years were hip hop, gypsy dance, and Egyptian dance. From the age of fourteen she was also one of the choreographers of the group. Ülle found her way to Latin partner-dance in London, when her friend brought her to a lambada club. She got hooked immediately! Her first lambada teachers were Berg and Solange Dias. She also trained with Braz and Patricia Cruz in London. Over the past three years, Ülle has been the dance partner of Giovanni Ferrari, who has trained her in other latin dances such as Samba de Gafieira, Samba no Pé, Salsa, Forró, Bolero and others. She has learnt Gafieira also with Gladys Cavalcante and Andre Sardinha. Ülle has also been training Argentinian tango with Pablo Alonso, Leandro Palou, Romina Godoy, Stefano Fava and Alexandra Wood. Over recent years, Ülle has been performing and teaching with Giovanni and others with all above mentioned dances both in Great Britain and internationally, as far as Kazakhstan. Despite loving all the latin dances, Ülle's biggest passion still remains Lambada-Zouk.

VIRGINIE PETRICOLA - WORKSHOP DEMO

Virginie is from France and Alex Lima's dance partner.

XAVI

He knows the lambadazouk in the year 1999, through the fault of Laura. But really, when he falls in love with this dance, it'is in Berg's congress, in PORTO SEGURO, in the year 2004/5. From there, he takes part in the 2nd international contest of lambadazouk in Amsterdam 2006. A sickly passion is born at the time for this dance and his music. From this moment and with Laura's help, he begins an intense study of the technologies of dance and musicality. With several demonstrations and shows for different discos, musical bars, his vocation finds the diffusion and education of this sensual and wonderful dance, and starts giving lessons in the year 2005 in PUERTO DEL MASNOU, BARENOSTRUM, BAJA BEACH CLUB, and nowadays in ZICH (Puerto Olímpico de Barcelona), musical Bar (+QCOPAS) , and Barrio Latino. Year after year, he is acquiring experience as choreographer, both in couple and in group, realizing the choreography lambadazouk DANSABRASIL 07, and 08, together with the friend and teacher Gabi. Also he experiments as DJ, (dj xavizouk) in Dansabrasil's different parties and nowadays in Zich. Recently he takes part as teacher in the congress of BERG'S and Co, in Porto Seguro, Brasil with Laura as couple and the team ZoukLambada BCN, composed by friends and professionals of this dance (LAURA, NURIA, HELOISA, GABI, EDU, DAVID and GABI). XaviZouk, idea and create the DANSABRASIL TEAM, a group of friends and companions of dance, together, they make possible, every year that our dream is a reality … the best dancers of the world of the lambadazouk in Barcelona !!

.
Djs:

*Should one of the artists listed not be able to attend for any reason, this will NOT impact your tickets / lead to an adjustment of ticket prices/a refund. The organisers will replace those classes with another professional.