—Photo by Aramis K.—

Getúlio Ramalho (GR) and I met in September of 2014. At that time I was a beginner who had only been learning Brazilian Zouk (and partner dancing altogether) for about 9 months. So when I had the opportunity to social dance with Getúlio (an amazing leader) for the first time, it was a totally new experience that felt very liberating and beautiful. Two days before he left back for Belo Horizonte, Brazil I decided that it’s “now or never” and I asked him to partner with me for a project. I wasn’t really sure what his response would be or whether I should even be asking at this point in my dance journey. Fast forward eight months, and we are catching up over a meal in East Village, NYC, and I am very grateful that he said “yes” to my offer!

Getúlio always says during his classes, “engage your abs, lengthen your neck and smile with your eyes!” Smile with your eyes?! I find his influence so inspiring and wanted to share more about this incredible artist with the rest of the dance community. Here is my interview with him:

1) Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started dancing?

I first started dancing when I was about 8 years old to Lambada. At that time, men dancing Lambada dressed in a particular way; tight t-shirts, short pants, special belts. And the dance involved a lot of hip movement. All of this looked funny on a kid, people were laughing at me, and my family didn’t supported it either since none of them danced, so I stopped.

But when I was 18, I came back to dancing again. I really liked James Brown back then. Every time I heard “I feel good” my body started to move! I also became interested in partner dancing. I liked trying to lead the ladies, even though I didn’t know how to do it yet. Eventually, I decided to take on this path professionally and started my training.

2) What inspires you to move?

Music does, it moves my body. Also, the opportunity to express myself through movement, to put emotions into the dance; joy, sadness, anger, confusion. People are an inspiration. I try to take references from other people’s lives, as well as my own, and bring it into my dancing. And the nature, the four elements; earth, water, fire, wind. I feel them in my body and use them as the means of expression as well.

3) What do you like a most about Brazilian Zouk?

The connection, the energy and the possibilities. You can dance Brazilian Zouk with your whole body to nearly any style of music. And it’s a very elegant dance, which is great for the ladies. It brings out their sensuality on the dance floor. I like seeing that.

4) How would you describe your style of Zouk, if any?

That’s a difficult question for me. I usually don’t think about the styles. Music suggests the style and I just follow it with my body. Of course I don’t know the exact steps for every single music genre out there, but I can change my emotions, my feelings with each song. And along with that, my steps change according to what I hear.

5) What other dances do you like and why?

I like expressive and sensual dances; Salsa (it’s so hot), Tango (it has a lot of drama and emotion), Forró (where the steps are not complicated, but the connection matters a lot) and Bolero (a delicate dance that helps to open the door to a new relationship).

I think I can find something to like about every dance style there is, but dancing to James Brown songs are still the best! [Laughs]. It makes you feel so free, you don’t have to think about the steps or anything else.

6) Off the top of your head, what is the most memorable dance moment of your life?

I think it would be the show “Uma Porta Aberta.” My partners and I choreographed, directed and performed at Palácio das Artes in February 2010. It was my dream and my goal to perform at this place, and it came true. A few years before it happened I was taking dance classes over there. Our teacher was preparing a student showcase and invited me to participate, saying that it might be our only opportunity to perform at such a prestigious venue. But I thought to myself, “no, I won’t do it this time… but one day I will bring my own creation to this stage.” So the day it happened I arrived there early, the auditorium was still empty. I walked onto the stage, stopped right in the middle and took a moment to acknowledge; “I am here.”

7) Do you think there are any similarities in how people communicate through dance and in daily life?

Dancing is the time for you to understand more about yourself, your life, and other people and their lives. You come to a dance class and learn steps and sequences. But you also learn a lot about communication, energy, about respecting limits – yours and others – and pushing yourself to new heights. You celebrate overcoming the difficulties, like getting a challenging dance step right, but also realize that sometimes you can’t get it just yet, and it’s ok to relax and take your time. Just like in life.

8) If there is one thing you would like for those who attend your classes and performances to take away with them, what would it be?

I would like for them to feel something because emotion is forever. Even if it’s a negative one, it will still keep the dance alive in the memories. Of course it’s better to leave a good feeling, good memory, but you can’t get everyone’s approval. What you can do is just be yourself.

9) What are some of your dance goals?

With dancing professionally comes the responsibility to meet certain expectations as a dancer and as an instructor. My goal is to not lose the joy of simply dancing. I go to the dance floor to be happy.

10) Share some advice and inspiration for the beginner dancers?

Dance to be happy. When you dance with someone, be present for them for as long as your dance lasts – it’s just you and your partner. Also, don’t compare yourself to others, trying to be better. Everyone is different so focus on your personal improvement. When referencing another dancer’s movement, try to find your own style – your own feeling.

11) Anything else you would like to add?

Remember I said that there were no dancers in my family? Well, 2 years ago I heard from my father who I didn’t know growing up. Turns out he is a dancer, and so is my grandfather. My father takes my classes now and we did a performance together.

Now I understand WHY I dance.

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