Larissa Thayane

Rio Rhythmics Latin Dance Academy

Latin Dancer, Performer, Choreographer and Instructor.

I started dancing Jazz and Ballet when I was 8 years old. I was involved in festivals of Contemporary and Ballet and performed throughout Brazil, competing in different, high profile festivals. As a 17-year-old, I was recognised as a professional Ballet Dancer by Escola de Dancas Classicas do Teatro Guaira (the School of Classic and Contemporary Dance of the Guaira Theatre) in Curitiba-Parana.

Following this, I moved to Rio de Janeiro and discovered Latin Dance. I started Cuban Salsa classes at Carlinhos de Jesus Academy (one of the most popular Latin Dance Academies in Rio de Janeiro), went to dance parties and met talented dancers including Jaime Aroxa (one of the most popular teachers in Brazil), Bolacha and Jimmy de Oliveira, recognised as the best Samba de Gafieira Dancer in the world and one of the best teachers in Brazil. I fell in love with Jimmy's Samba de Gafieira style and started lessons in Samba de Gafieira at his academy with noted teachers including Rodriguinho Barcelos, Pitt, Kadu Pires, Willians Ribeiro and Jimmy himself.

After joining Jimmy de Oliveira's Company I teamed up with Kadu as his dance partner. I received private lessons daily, improved quickly, and started dancing Zouk Lambada just months later at Alex de Carvalho's Academy, whose company I also joined. Alex de Carvalho is recognised as one of the best male Zouk dancers in Brazil.

Since moving to Australia in 2007 to join the Rio Rhythmics Latin Dance Academy teaching team, Kadu and I have taught and performed extensively at important events throughout Australia and all around the world including the following countries:

• New Zealand
• Malaysia
• Berlin
• Switzerland
• Amsterdam
• Lithuania
• Taiwan
• Brazil
• Prague
• Canada
• New Caledonia
• Spain
• London
• Norway