Capoeira Mestre with a focus on embodied practice of Brazilian Afro-Diasporic practices. My approach to these art forms is a holistic one, aiming to preserve and transmit the complex intersection of all the elements that comprise them. More specifically, fostering the connection that comes from a common grammar where movement, music, dance, martial arts, and history are not separate concepts, but rather, are all part of a deeper and unique expression that resulted from the need to resist oppressive systems on bodies and minds.
Work History
Lecturer I
2 Years 7 Months
University of Michigan, Department of Dance | 01.2024 - Current
Developed and delivered engaging curriculum for dance students with Capoeira and other Afro-Brazilian art forms such as Maculelê.
Collaborated in different programs hosted by the Department of Dance such as the MPulse summer project.
Provided knowledge of Capoeira movement elements to foster students' creativity on how to incorporate these in their dance and choregraphy practices.
Organized community events hosted in the Department of Dance facilities and included dance undergraduate and graduate students as part of the performances and Capoeira graduation ceremonies of the event.
Implemented innovative teaching methods to improve course delivery and student participation such as including Capoeira etiquette and the fundaments of the Capoeira Circle, including live music, to the classes.
Collaborated with faculty and staff in other classes and activities open to students across U-M such as Capoeira classes organized by LACS to promote Brazilian culture and Portuguese language.
Participated in Capoeira and Afro-Brazilian Dance events in the U.S. an abroad for recruitment purposes.
CEO, Co-founder, and Lead Instructor
11 Years 2 Months
Brazilian Michigan Cultural Center | 06.2015 - Current
Imparted continuous Capoeira and other Afro-Brazilian art expression classes for all leves and all ages.
Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance cultural programming and community engagement.
Fostered partnerships with members of the community to promote Brazilian culture through events and workshops.
Offered the Cultural Center space for other art forms for teachers of other disciplines to teach classes.
Managed Finances, Marketing, and everything related to administrative and fiscal tasks for the functioning of the Center.
Led a diverse team, and mentoring programs for new instructors of different ages and opened spaces for them to develop their own classes.
Analyzed community feedback to refine services and improve visitor experience at the center.
Coordinated fundraising initiatives with different local partners, strengthening financial support for cultural projects through grant writing and donor relations.
Organized two annual events to bring a diverse array of guest teachers and instructors from U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and other countries as well.
Capoeira Teacher
The U School | 2017 - Current
Developed Capoeira classes for Pre-K students throughout the academic year.
Organized annual graduation ceremonies for students to receive their Capoeira belts in an interactive event with their teachers and parents.
Capoeira Teacher
Bottles and BackPacs | 2021 - Current
Provided continuous Capoeira classes for Pre-K students throughout the academic year.
Capoeira Teacher
Clonlara | 2018 - Current
Developed Capoeira extra-curricular classes catered for a project-based institution for Pre-K-12 students
Maintained a multi-level and multi-age Capoeira class that is comprised in the school curriculum as an elective for students to attend.
Capoeira Teacher
It's A Small World | 2017 - Current
Developed Capoeira classes plans tailored to diverse learning styles.
Maintained multi-level and multi-age Capoeira classes for Pre-K students.
Capoeira Teacher
Summers-knoll School | 2017 - 2021
Developed engaging Capoeira classes for a project-based school catered for Pre-K-5 students. lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles.
Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting student collaboration and respect.
Developed Capoeira lessons and classes with a focus on interacting with outdoor environments for Pre-K-5 students.
Capoeira Teacher
Multiple Education Institutions | 2005 - 2014
Developed multiple and diverse Capoeira classes catered for students of different ages and needs.
Develop engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards in Brazil to also promote the teaching of Afro-Brazilian art forms as part of the curriculum.
Assessed student progress and provided constructive feedback to support growth.
Education
Capoeira Master (2nd Degree) - Capoeira
Mangalot Capoeira | Sao Paulo, BR | 07-2026
Attained the second degree (out of four) of Capoeira Master (Mestre de Capoeira). A title recognized by the Capoeira Community and given by the lead Capoeira Master of our Capoeira School.
Title given as recognition of 28 years of Capoeira practice and over 20 years of experience as a Capoeira teacher.
- One Semester of Physical Education Teaching
Faculdade Flamingo | Sao Paulo, BR | 2014
Accomplishments
Collaborated as lead and support singer, and instrument player in two live Capoeira music recordings that were then released to the public on different streaming platforms.
Supported and co-organized innumerous Capoeira events in Brazil and the United States where also coached prospective Capoeira instructors and professors.
Certification
Specialization and Certification to teach Capoeira to speicific audiences like children, families, adults, and people with disabilities, understanding the specific psycho-motor capacities and needs of each group. Sao Paulo, BR - 2014
Languages
English
Portuguese
Spanish
Seminars and Workshops
Ginge e Seoul, Seoul Korea | 2026
Sua Casa Capoeira and Latin American Afro-Diasporic Events | 2019-2026
Gingarte Capoeira annual Batizado and troca de cordões | 2014-2026
Capoeira Workshops at the Ann Arbor Public Library | 2024-2025
Capoeira Workshops at the Toledo Public Library | 2024
Capoeira Workshops at the Ypsilanti Public Library | 2017-2025
Capoeira workshop as part of the Afro-Diasporic Dances in Latin America Workshop Series at the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH | 2024-2025
International Nights at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI | 2023-2025
Capoeira performance at the Ohio Latin Americanist Conference at Bowling Green University, Bowling Green | 2024
Capoeira And Folkloric Dances Workshop | Usa (Chicago, Virginia, Charlotte, Kansas City, San Francisco, Los Angeles) 2014
Folclore Do Brasil Event| San Francisco, Usa 2014
Tem Que Ter Axé And Brazilian Day Events | San Diego, USA 2014
Desafio Dos Mandingueiros Event | Seoul, South Korea 2013
Vem Jogar Mais Eu (Cdo) Event | Guadalajara, México 2012
Perto Do Coração (Grupo Longe Do Mar) Event | Mexico City, Mexico 2012
Capoeira In Hermosillo And Obregon | México 2012
Passo A Frente Event | Paris, France 2011
Capoeira In Hermosillo, Guadalajara, León Guanajuato, Barra De Potosí, Obregon And Mexico City | Mexico 2011