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.

Paula Curriculum Co-founder of the company and dance school ALC DANCE STUDIOS. She started her career in fitness and salsa in 1989. She was national champion in aerobics, doubles, in 1992. Teaching kizomba classes since 2001. Co-creator of a teaching methodology targeting international interest with teacher training courses since 2013 where more than 500 people from 5 continents were present. Currently, together with Ricardo Sousa, he runs 2 schools in the city of Porto with more than 1000 students (adults and children), a theme bar called Muxima bar, 2 international festivals (Ta Fixe Kizomba Festival and DMAES Summer Bootcamp) and travels the world for festivals as a teacher and dancer. Teaching ladies styling kizomba classes (Kizomba Flow in ALC methodology) since 2008 for the first time in the first edition of the Africadancar Festival. Nominated and awarded for various dance awards as teachers and dancers receiving a career award at the prestigious Berlin Salsa Congress festival.

- Started the study in African Dances in 1999 - Constant training with the best teachers from the most diverse dance disciplines, both nationally and internationally. - Creation, together with Paula Loureiro, of the Afrolatin Connection School and Dance Company in September 2005 - Creation, together with Paula Loureiro, the thematic Bar and the Muxima Bar Show House in August 2006 - Currently managing partner of DMAES, Shows and Events, which houses the brands ALC Dance Studios®, Muxima Bar® as well as the organisation of several International Dance Festivals - Creation, together with Paula Loureiro, of the ALC Dance Studios methodology for Latin and African Rhythms - In 2013 the Kizomba Teachers Training Project started, where more than 500 people from all over the world invested in training for the study and use of this teaching method for Kizomba - Best Portuguese Teachers in 2007 and 2008 and Best Portuguese Show in 2009 by TOP Dance Awards - Nominated for best choreographers at the I Portugal Dance Awards in the World Dances category. - Official jury of the Afrikaans Kizomba World Championship - Lifetime Salsa Award in 2017 by Berlin Salsa Congress - 2015 creation of the international choreographic project ALC HugDance, together with Paula Loureiro. - Dancer and guest professor at international festivals on 5 continents.