Andressa Castelhano

Andressa is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer. She began her dance journey in 2006, dedicating herself to Latin and ballroom styles. Over the years, she specialized in Brazilian Zouk while training with Renata Peçanha’s company in Rio de Janeiro. She also studied Jazz, Classical Ballet, and Contemporary Dance for several years, refining both technique and artistic expression.

She joined the Prima Facie company, performing in Jazz and Contemporary shows. She taught Zouk and Ballroom (including Samba de Gafieira) at different studios in Rio de Janeiro, and in 2009 worked as a Jazz dancer for Walt Disney World Brasil, performing in parades and shows around the country.

While studying with Márcia Pinheiro (former ballerina at Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro), she deepened her technical and theoretical knowledge, exploring mechanical principles of movement and the application of biomechanics to dance. During this period, she further refined her Classical and Contemporary Ballet base, building a strong technical foundation that shaped her style and teaching methodology.

Known for precision and elegance, Andressa became one of the most respected Zouk instructors and performers. In 2010 she left Brazil to promote Brazilian dances at festivals worldwide. Alongside Freddy Marinho, she created the “Fundamentals Course,” an innovative methodology aimed at dancers without the cultural and rhythmic immersion typical in Brazil. The method’s success inspired renowned professionals globally to adopt its format.

Between 2010 and 2011, Freddy and Andressa introduced and developed Brazilian Zouk and Samba de Gafieira scenes in Moscow (Russia). Since 2012 they have lived in Finland, where they founded Helsinki Dance Central and continue to expand the local community. They also organize the largest Zouk festivals in Northern Europe — Helsinki Zouk Festival and Winter Zouk Festival.

Andressa currently serves as a Director of the Brazilian Zouk Dance Council (BZDC), contributing to the organization, regulation, and international recognition of Brazilian Zouk. She is widely admired for her clear pedagogy, consistent methodology, and passionate performances, uniting technique, sensitivity, and love for dance fundamentals.