Brazarte, based in Miami, Fl., is a modern dance company formed in 1998 aimed at combining the excitement and joy of the Brazilian culture with a group of dedicated and experienced dancers to present a world-class performance to our audiences.
Under the leadership of director/choreographer Roberto Dias, the company seeks to present the Brazilian folkloric arts within a theatrical setting. In addition, our company's vision is to promote and educate in the Brazilian folkloric arts, and dance in general.
For years, Roberto Dias has been researching and developing his own style, in which he mixes ballet, modern, jazz, capoeira *, maracatu **, and baiao**, to create a intense and exciting performance.
BRAZARTE is a combination of Brazil and Art. It represents the desire of Mr. Dias to share his experience, talent, and the warmth and enchantment of the Brazilian culture through folkloric dances, costumes, and musical instruments.
DANCERS
Marie Bandres
while in Miami received her associates in dance performance from New World School of the Arts, danced with Momentum Dance Company and danced with Paolo Manso and Dancers. While she was at New World she danced the choreography of Jose Limon, Ana Sokolow, Michael Utohff, and Gerri Houlihan to name a few. Two years in a row Marie was invited to be a guest soloist at " Gilda's Kids " a children's cancer benefit held by Gilda Radners family, Her commercial credits include being Assistant choreographer/private dance instructor to Lil'Romeo, lead dancing on "The Cindy Margolis" show, dancing in German hip hop videos, and much more. Marie now comes back to Miami after a years stay in San Francisco training at Alonzo King's "lines". She is currently teaching at In Motion Dance Center, dancing with Brazarte, and is working on her own choreography.
Michael Joseph, was born in Bridgeport, Ct. and attend uncle in the theatre, film and television department. While in los Angeles, he was featured on stage and screen, most notably appearing with the Kirov ballet company in La Bayadere at the famed Kodak Theatre, since moving to Miami, Michael has worked extensively in many mediums, recently appearing In the Florida grand opera’s “ Les Pecheurs des Perles” at the Arsht Center as a featured dancer, at the 2008 International hustle and salsa competition in Richard Amaros work “ Sunny Ray “ as well as part of the dancesation dancers, and in Footloose at the Actor’s playhouse. He has also been seen on usa network, Telefutura, and the upcoming feature film,” I Love you Philip Morris “, starring Jim Carrey . Michael would like to thank God and Roberto Dias for this opportunity and for the gift of dance.
Nellie Li Carpenter is a native Floridian born in
Miami, FL. Specializing in ballet technique in the beginning of her dance
career, she also studied jazz, tap and modern dance. From there she went
on to win the ACCA award for best soloist in a performance. Graduate of
New World School of the Arts she continued to further her education by
obtaining her Bachelors and Masters degrees. She has performed with Rosita
Segovia’s Spanish Ballet Company and is one of the original members
of Brazarte Dance Company.
Brooke Elliott was born on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and studied both modern dance and ballet at East Carolina University and Duke University. She studied under the direction of Clay Taliaferro, one of Jose Limon's principal dancers and also a former artistic director for Donald McCayle. While in school she performed pieces choreographed by Clay Taliaferro, Laura Dean, Ana Sokolow, and Jose Limon. Brooke Choreographed contemporary dance pieces for students at UNC Chapel Hill and holds a degree in Journalism from UNC. Currently Brooke teaches at In Motion Dance Studio and dances for Brazarte Modern Dance Company under the direction of Roberto Dias..
Molly Superfine-Rivera born in Miami , Fl, began her dance training in various styles at The Dance Gallery and the Miami Conservatory. Her biggest inspiration came upon being accepted into the Magnet Dance Program at South Miami Senior High where her main focus was modern. Molly is currently working towards a degree in Physical Therapy in hopes of incorporating it into the dance world. Molly is honored to say that Brazarte is the first company she has danced with and is looking forward to future endeavors in the dance world. .
Lea Stagno is originally from Merida Venezuela, she
began her dance training at the Art University Center (CUDA) where she
studied music, theater, ballet, and modern dance. Years later, modern
dance became her main interest. At the age of 16, Lea joined AXIS contemporary
dance company in Venezuela and performed nationally until she enrolled
the architectural program at ULA university and received her B.A. degree
complementing her biggest passion: dance and design. Then, she moved to
Miami Fl to continue her studies and dance training . Dance is her way
of life, she is grateful and happy to dance with Brazarte Dance Company.
Sorgalim Vilaturria was born and raised in Guantanamo
Cuba. She began her artistic interest at the age of eight when she started
at an art academy. After four years of training she got selected to study
at the Vocational School of the Arts "Regino Eladio Bati" and with outstanding
results she graduated as the best talent within the Dance category. Then,
Sorgalim moved to La Habana Cuba to study at the National School of Dance.
There, she participated in important choreographic contests, tv shows
and master classes among others, receiving various awards. Later she joined
the Contemporary Dance Company of Cuba where she performed from the company's
repertory to new choreographies and travelled internationally participating
in festivals, premiers and video clips. After five years of combining
dedication, good technique and artistic experience Sorgalim becomes the
first ballerina of the company. She currently lives in Miami FL and feels
proud to dance with Brazarte Dance Company.
Juliana Weiss was born and raised in Miami, Fl where she received most of her dance training. She has studied Jazz, Tap, Ballet, and Theater Dance at the Dance Center for the first seven years of her training and is now at the New World School of the Arts College to further her training in Ballet and Modern. She is proud to say that dancing with Brazarte is the first company she has performed with and can't wait to take on the new challenge of venturing off into the dance world.
