About Us
Brazil Central is 3 days of workshops, performances and parties, for lovers of Brazilian dance. It's a cultural experience where dancing is like breathing!
In Brazil, dancing is a given; everybody does it, and whilst Brazilian partner dancing has evolved into something taught in academies, it has not lost its cultural connection. Brazilian dance is based on embracing your partner and this is what makes it magical. It's where you make an unhurried, un-complicated and effortless connection… something that resonates with the soul!
Brazilian dance has been taught in Brisbane, Australia for over 20 years and we have become the centre of this art form in the Asia Pacific region. Our intention is to create an event that reflects the joyful essence of Brazilian dance—one that is open, friendly, and held in an environment where people can learn, socialise, reflect and re-energise.
Brazil Central is produced by Applaud Productions, a partnership between Tarcisio Teatini-Climaco, Jada de Goey Teatini-Climaco and Cathy Barker.
Introducing the Brazil Central Team
To view a bio of a team member, please click the name of the team member below:
Tarcisio Teatini-Climaco
Director of Applaud Productions
After an extensive and successful twenty year career, performing and teaching in Brazil, and directing a number of prestigious dance programs and schools, Tarcisio immigrated to Australia in 1989, where he continued to perform and teach Latin percussion, dance and capoeira. Motivated to transfer his knowledge and bring Latin music, dance and culture to others, he developed a system of learning Latin dance and percussion and founded Rio Rhythmics Latin Dance Academy in West End in 1994. Every year Tarcisio travels back to South America where he involves himself in dance and music to ensure the academy is at the forefront of authentic Latin dance and music education and performance in Australia and internationally.
Tarcisio is an active and influential member of Australia's arts community and has held various important roles including:
- Latin item director, Goodwill Games creative team, Brisbane 2001.
- Advisor on the Australian Dance Council's "Interim Competency Standards Project Reference Groups".
- Queensland representative on the Australia Council's "Dance Funds Committee".
- Member of the Australia Council's Multicultural Advisory Committee.
Jada de Goey Teatini-Climaco
Director Applaud Productions
Jada is a highly qualified Latin dance instructor with over eight years teaching experience. She joined Rio Rhythmics in 1998 as a beginner student. Coming from a strong performance and arts ackground, a move into a career in dance was a natural step for her. Her natural ability with dance, strong work ethic and love of learning saw her promoted to trainee instructor in 2000 – a position which often saw her teaching people three times her age.
To further her training, Jada has travelled extensively in Brazil, and lived in Rio de Janeiro for six months to learn in the most highly recognised dance academies. On her return, she was promoted to a full time position teaching at Rio Rhythmics and her role included instructors and curriculum co-ordinator.
Since then she has expanded her knowledge and expertise in areas such as event coordination, strategic planning and management.
Some career highlights include performing at the Goodwill Games Opening Ceremony in Brisbane in 2001, teaching at the Australia Dance Council's Ausdance Mix ‘n’ Move, performing at the latin Fiesta, Energex Brisbane Festival in 2004, a teaching and performing tour to Germany in 2006, teaching at the Zouk-Lambada Congress Porto Seguro, Brazil – January 2007, co-choreographer, instructor and examiner for projects within the QUT Creative Industries Department and her various television and newspaper appearances including Big Brother and The Shack.
In November 2007 Jada became the mother of a beautiful baby boy. She currently applies her expertise to the direction and management of Rio Rhythmics Latin Dance Academy and as director of Applaud Productions.
Cathy Barker
Director of Applaud Productions
- Bachelor of Arts
- Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (Arts Administration)
- Graduate Certificate in Pilates Method
Cathy has been involved in Latin dance for over 12 years in Brisbane, London and Sydney as a dancer, teacher and performer. She is also a qualified Pilates instructor.
Her interest in Brazilian dance started with a flyer promising to "learn authentic samba and parade in Rio Carnaval!". This dream was realised in 2000 when she paraded with Villa Isabel in Rio de Janeiro. Her samba addiction has continued!
Cathy has worked in sales, marketing and events co-ordination and has built up a repertoire of business skills that make her a versatile member of the Brazil Central team.
