How did you get  into dance?

I  lost a bet! I was doing a lot of yoga and acroyoga and a handful of friends were starting Kizomba classes. I fell in love with dance, specifically with Kizomba. About 8 months in, and dabling with various social dances, I found myself taking a Zouk workshop. Pinaki brought Kamacho to Austin for the first time, and while I had seen a couple of YouTube videos, I took the classes mostly on a whim. I was really horrible, but a part of me just KNEW I had to learn more, and the journey started. I have been really blessed to work with some amazing people – Walter Fernandes, DJ Kakah, Ivo Viera, Bruno Galhardo, Marc Brewer, to name a few.

What are some of your favorite things about being a full time dance teacher?

One has been the opportunity to grow through adventure and explore outside of my comfort zone. Our environment is constantly changing and it really pushes us to be strong, adaptable, and resilient. Another wonderful thing has been the people I have met along the way. Some of my best friends and familia I have met through my dance journey. I have a network of people I really care about all over the world, and have had the chance to experience so many cool places – right now I’m doing this interview from Australia! Being exposed to all walks of life is really an amazing thing to be a part of; and I wouldn’t trade these experiences and interactions for anything. While it’s not always easy, I feel very grateful.

What  are some things to  do to stay healthy and balanced?

Listening to my body and learning to say “no” has been really important for me. Five minutes of deep breathing alone in my room can help me to reset and come back to myself while I’m away. This job requires me to be healthy and present, and I need to be always “on,” or ready for what’s next in each day. When I’m home, I try to recharge – I spend a lot of time alone, with my dog, and with my family. My diet and workout regimen is of utmost priority because my body is my tool. When I travel I sometimes will spend my own money so I am properly fueled. I try to hear what my body and mind needs, and then address what is needed that day and in that moment, whether it is nutrition, workout, alone time, or sleep.

Favorite place and why?

Brazil of course! As of now, I’ve been blessed to travel many places around the world – Mexico, Canada, USA, Australia and a couple places in Europe (still dying to go to more!). It’s been so humbling. I’ve learned so much through these experiences, but I must say, that when I go to Brazil, I feel like a sense of coming home. The culture, the people, the language, etc. Whether it’s people you’ve never met before, people welcome you like family. It’s been a touching experience to feel welcome and loved right off the bat. Specifically in Rio and Sao Paulo, I’ve found some amazing friends. You can’t go wrong with beaches, fresh squeezed juice, and stellar dancing. The food is different and simple, but for me, simplicity and happiness take me a long way. I always try to fit in a trip to Brazil at least once a year, and I feel like I never have enough time to see everyone and do everything I want to do.

I’ve started doing a 30 day intensive training in Rio now during the December/January Brazil holiday season. It’s the best time to go – it’s summer in Brazil, and there are so many activities, festivals and socials to go to. It will be my second year this year. We go as a small group from all over the world, and we have a training schedule over the course of the month. We participate in festivals and private events, and I try to create an incredible experience filled with some of the people and things that I have enjoyed in my time there. For more info, feel free to shoot me a message on Facebook, or visit the website www.riozouktraining.com!

Contact:
https://www.fb.com/hannah.millerjones
https://www.fb.com/riozouktraining