Hailing from Salvador, Brazil, Luisa received a scholarship to attend the Miami City Ballet School pre-professional program and relocated to the states in 2014. Two years later, Luisa auditioned for Collage during our multi-city audition tour stop in Miami and just after graduation she relocated to Memphis to join our company.
When did you begin dancing and how did you get started?
I started dancing when I was 4. I saw a ballerina on television and told my mom the I wanted to dance.
For the new dancer and even the young trainee, what advice would you give?
Hard work always pays off, don’t give up.
What’s your favorite quote and why?
First comes the sweat. Then comes the beauty.
What’s your favorite part of being a professional dancer and why?
I think my favorite part is performing and having that grateful feeling that you delivered everything to the audience. And, also the touring part!
“The lioness doesn’t concern “First comes the sweat. Then comes the beauty.”herself with the opinion of the sheep.”
Why should people experience a ballet performance at least once in their life?
Because art has the power of touching peoples’ lives, and ballet dancers dedicate the work of a lifetime to present their best on stage.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to know about you?
That I’m 23 years old.
If you weren’t a professional ballet dancer what would you be doing?
I think I would be in college studying mechanical engineering, but I would still be dancing somehow.
What are some people, places or things that make Memphis home for you?
Having coworkers from Latin America definitely is a good thing, but Collage is my big family in Memphis.
When you’re not training long days or touring with the company, where can we find you in Memphis?
At Planet Fitness or rolling my muscles at home!
Who’s your biggest fan?
My parents and my first ballet teacher.
Must have item in your dance bags and dressing room?
I have a little crystal that is always in my bag.
How are you staying busy, sane and in shape, at home these days?
I’m taking a ballet barre every day and cross training three times a week.
What music artists are you listening to right now?
Davido, Khalid, Mapei, Burna Boy and Coldplay
Best movie you’ve seen this year?
Parasite
What TV shows are you binge watching to make it through the quarantine?
This Is Us, The Handmaids Tale and Grey’s Anatomy
First place you plan to go to when we can go “out” again?
The beach!
