Larissa Thayane

Larissa Thayane is a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and director, internationally recognized as one of the most influential figures in the dissemination and evolution of Brazilian Zouk. Born in Campo Mourão (PR), she began her artistic path in childhood, dedicating herself to classical ballet and contemporary dance. At 14 she moved to Curitiba to study at the Classical Dance School of Teatro Guaíra and joined the Faculty of Arts of Paraná. At just 18, she was hired by the Young Company of Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro, touring nationally and internationally and consolidating her technical and artistic base.

Her contact with Brazilian partner dances began in 2005, when she studied Samba de Gafieira and Zouk with Jimmy de Oliveira, Rafael Oliveira, and Alex de Carvalho. In the same year she formed her partnership with Kadu Pires, creating one of the most iconic and long-standing duos in Brazilian Zouk history. In 2006 they released the first instructional DVD series for Zouk and Samba de Gafieira, distributed worldwide, and in 2011 pioneered online lessons in these styles, making training accessible across continents.

In 2007 Larissa and Kadu moved to Australia, where they founded K&L Dance and helped build one of the strongest Zouk communities outside Brazil. In 2013 they created Casa do Zouk, now the leading Zouk event in Oceania. During this period, Larissa also worked as a choreographer for “So You Think You Can Dance Australia” and stood out as a judge, teacher, and speaker at international congresses.

In 2014 she co-founded the Brazilian Zouk Dance Council (BZDC), establishing professional standards for dancers, teachers, and judges worldwide. In 2020 she and Kadu created the Brazilian Zouk World Championships, held annually in Phoenix, Arizona — a global milestone celebrating artistic excellence and community connection in Zouk.

Now based in Los Angeles (USA), Larissa continues teaching, choreographing, and training new professionals through the K&L Teacher & Judge Training Program, which has impacted teachers in more than 25 countries. She also achieved strong results in West Coast Swing, with notable placements at the US Open Swing Dance Championships (Showcase).

A pioneer in digital education, in 2011 she launched an online platform with 150+ lessons in Zouk and Samba de Gafieira. Her methodology emphasizes body awareness, artistic expression, and sustainable movement, inspiring dancers to explore with purpose, authenticity, and confidence.

With more than 20 years of international career, Larissa Thayane has established herself as a complete artist — an educator who unites technique and emotion, precision and sensibility — leaving a legacy that continues to shape the future of Brazilian Zouk worldwide.