eLEARN - ALC Dance

Paula & Ricardo have been dancing together since 2000. In 2005, they co-founded Afrolatin Connection, a dance company and academy based in Porto, Portugal, quickly becoming reference instructors in the global Kizomba and Semba scene. For over a decade, they were invited to teach, perform, and judge in some of the most prestigious festivals and competitions worldwide. In 2010, they launched DMAES – Espetáculos e Eventos, alongside João Paulo Duarte, expanding their vision through three main areas: – ALC Dance Studios®, their in-person school with over 1,000 active students and 150 weekly classes – Muxima Bar®, a cultural social nightclub – And the production of major events such as Ta Fixe Kizomba Festival and DMAES Summer Bootcamp In 2013, they created the KTT – Kizomba Teachers Training, a certified methodology now delivered in four levels, available both in live and online formats. More than 500 instructors from around the world have studied their pedagogical approach, which emphasizes structure, roots, and cultural awareness. In 2015, they launched the ALC HugDance project, bringing together national and international performance teams under their choreographic guidance. They’ve received several awards including Best Portuguese Teachers (2007, 2008), Best Portuguese Show (2009), and were nominated for Best Choreographers at the Portugal Dance Awards. In 2017, they were honored with the Lifetime Salsa Award at the Berlin Salsa Congress. ⸻ 🌍 From Global Stages to Local Legacy & Digital Impact Following the global pandemic, Paula & Ricardo decided to pause their international touring to focus on building a stronger local foundation and expanding their digital education platforms. Today, their content is available worldwide via elearn.alcdance.pt, where students and teachers alike can access a full library of on-demand classes, structured programs, and certification paths. They continue to lead with authenticity, experience, and a deep love for African dance culture — empowering others to learn, teach and grow through Kizomba, Semba and Tarraxinha.