Dancer | Teacher | Choreographer
Born in Cape Verde, Hélio Santos has over 29 years of experience in dance and has been based in Europe for more than 25 years.
Education & Training
2001 to 2004 - Studied Contemporary Dance at CEM – Centro em Movimento, Lisbon. 2004 to 2008 - Graduated from P.A.R.T.S – Performing Arts Research and Training Studios, Belgium. Scholarship recipient from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Portugal. 2024 - Completed course: Técnicas Manuais e Energéticas Africanas
Artistic Profile
Hélio Santos is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer whose work bridges cultural and contemporary dance forms. During his teenage years, he explored traditional and social dances, which led him to develop his own movement approach within Kizomba, also known as Passada in Cape Verde.
He is recognized as part of the first generation of 21st-century artists who helped introduce Kizomba from Africa to the global stage, while simultaneously developing his contemporary dance language.
Choreographic Work
Entrevistas (2004), Living Through (2008), Cântico dos Cânticos (2012), Canoa (2012)
Film & Performance
Lead role in Fertilize – Life as it Begins (2007), Lead role in The Black Bird Flying (2008)
Collaborations & Experience
Worked with various national and international choreographers
Active as a dancer, co-creator, and performer in diverse artistic projects
Dance until you discover who you truly are… move until you understand the vibration of your emotions.
HÉLIO SANTOS
Contemporary dance
If we can understand the way we move and why we move, we are better prepared to understand the movement of life. In my work and technique are about learning the tools that can unblock the wisdom in our bodies and discover our own unique movement. I believe that any person can have access to this beautiful knowledge.
Kizomba
Inner Journey
Kizomba Inner Journey was born out of my passion to share the beauty of this dance and explore a deeper part of our human souls. Kizomba is a place and a moment where two bodies can be in conversation with each other and exchange infinite creative energy.
Dance Classes and Workshops
A triangle that dances and touches time… This singular movement presentes many portraits, many reading to this relationship, ancient as our reason to be…
Book a Class, Workshops, or Share your Insights
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