Biography

Dancer, choreographer, and coach. Gabi started dancing from a young age raised in a traditional Brazilian family, born with music and dance. Dance was in her life since very young, having a mum who was a dance teacher also helped her journey. Listening and dancing to Axe and samba music every day in her life was her favorite hobby until she decided to take her dancing a bit more seriously learning other styles. She started learning ballroom dancing and folk dance having her first job as a professional Folk dancer in her city -Brazil. 

Her dream was to travel the world. Gabi moved to Auckland in 2009 – the start of her dream. She studied many forms of dance to add to her unique and authentic dance style. Gabi became a performance artist and instructor in Afro Brazilian, contemporary dance, Brazilian Funk, Hip Hop, Axe beats, and Samba no pe.

Gabi started teaching samba in 2016 to a group of people who were interested in learning this dance style in a social setting. The interest and number of people grew very quickly which led her to launch Samba Passion School. Gabi is the lead choreographer for all chores performed by her students. With her passion, boundless energy, and genuine love for people, she will take you on a journey through her beautiful heritage and the rhythms of Brazil. Her dream is not yet done, after nine years of teaching at the best gyms, and performing at so many events; she will continue to spread and share her love for dance and samba.

What is samba to Gabi?

"Samba is an art form that has a rich history and culture.

It’s a dance that celebrates the body; freedom of expression and it is a dance that transcends negativity and for many in Brazil a very harsh reality of daily life. For me, dancing samba is a transformative experience that I'm grateful to share in New Zealand!"

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Gabriela Guimaraes