Freddy Marinho

Freddy started dancing very young, and through his experience with the Queen of Zouk, Renata Peçanha, he launched his professional career as a dancer and teacher at her studio in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), specializing in Brazilian Zouk.

Since 2004 he worked at Renata’s studio, teaching Zouk, Salsa, and Ballroom, including Samba de Gafieira, Forró, Bolero, and other styles.

Freddy also joined several dance companies, performing Jazz and Contemporary works, and he worked under contract with Walt Disney World Brasil, performing as a classical dancer in 2010. While studying with Márcia Pinheiro (former ballerina at Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro), he refined technique and deepened knowledge of biomechanical principles applied to dance — especially movement and body structure. He also strengthened his Classical and Contemporary Ballet foundation.

Known for refined technique and distinctive style, Freddy became one of the most respected Zouk teachers and dancers. In 2010 he left Brazil to take Brazilian dances to festivals worldwide. Together with Andressa Castelhano he created the “Fundamentals Course,” a methodology designed for dancers who did not grow up immersed in Brazilian culture and rhythms. The method was so successful that it inspired renowned professionals globally to adopt its structure.

Between 2010 and 2011 Freddy and Andressa introduced and developed Brazilian Zouk and Samba de Gafieira in Moscow (Russia). They then moved to Finland, where they have lived since 2012, strengthening and expanding the local community. Based in Helsinki, they founded their own school, Helsinki Dance Central, and became organizers of Northern Europe’s largest Zouk festivals — Helsinki Zouk Festival and Winter Zouk Festival.

Freddy Marinho is currently a Director of the Brazilian Zouk Dance Council (BZDC), helping organize, regulate, and consolidate Brazilian Zouk internationally. He is recognized worldwide for technical precision, clear pedagogy, and innovative methodology, as well as expressive performances and a deep love for dance fundamentals.

In parallel, Freddy is a professional actor, with experience in theater plays, comedies, dramas, and musicals, as well as films and short films in Brazilian cinema.