Instructors

Adriana

Adriana is a community-based dance artist, choreographer, Capoeira Instructor with the International Capoeira School, and a Balanced Body Certified Pilates Instructor.

Adriana

Adriana Blanco is a community-based dance artist and choreographer. She holds the title of Masters of Fine Arts from the University of NC at Greensboro in dance and choreography and has been directing and choreographing pieces for her company, The NC Brazilian Arts Project in many diverse contexts. Adriana’s purpose is to provide inclusive and community-based works without sacrificing a high standard of artistry. Adriana is an Instructor level in Capoeira and is finishing her third level of Reformer training via Balanced Body Pilates. Adriana is motivated to contribute to a vibrant and accessible movement arts scene in local communities and to create meaningful, artistic, and socially conscious opportunities for local creatives. Adriana is inspired by history and the current context of the Afro-Brazilian Movement Arts of Samba and Capoeira. Their histories of resistance against violent colonial oppression and enslavement have created ever-evolving subversive tools for resistance against these ongoing oppressive by empowering community care, artistry, strength and self-expression.

Juan Pablo

One of the founders and directors of the NC Brazilian Arts Project is an accomplished performance artist, Capoeira Instructor, Percussionist and black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Juan Pablo

Juan Pablo initiated his athletic career as a child in Venezuela playing competitive basketball. After graduating high school, Juan Pablo became involved in training martial arts such as Capoeira, (an Afro-Brazilian martial art), Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and professional mixed martial arts. Juan has fought in professional mixed martial arts competions in Venezuela starting in 2013. Juan Pablo is now a World Chammpion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is currenty is a "Cinta Preta" or black belt.

Juan is currently a Capoeira instructor and an experienced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor, including several championship wins. Aside from his successful career in martial arts, Juan Pablo has worked as a trainer throughout and is also a Master level licensed physical therapist in South America with over 6 years of professional experience.

Juan Pablo enjoys working with people to help them meet their fitness and athletic goals. Juan Pablo has studied and trained his martial arts all over Brazil and the United States and has trained with masters such as: Lucas Lepri, Cobrinha from Alliance Jiu Jitsu and currently studies with Mestre Esquilo/Bruno Melo and Contra Mestre Zumbi/Aristides Valeriano from the International Capoeira School, Cordao de Ouro. Previously, Juan Pablo was a student of Mestre Amendoim from Grupo Senzala and also trained with Professor Carlos Plat/Canuto, Professor Yeison Delgado/Mowgly and Mestre Emerson Domingues/Rasta.

Kayla Cochran

Kayla is an experienced educator teaching K-12 students. She currently holds a pre-Monitora belt graduation in Capoeira and is an experienced Samba and Salsa dance performer.

Kayla Cochran

Kayla Cochran, nicknamed Dançarina, is a dedicated capoeirista and samba dancer who has been part of the NC Brazilian Arts Project community for almost 7 years. She is passionate about educating herself on the roots of African-based movement evidenced in Brazilian culture through capoeira, dance, music, language, and history.

With a Masters degree in Teaching Secondary Education, Kayla is an experienced teacher and coach who is entering her 12th year of teaching high school English.

Kayla has always practiced mindfulness toward her overall health, nutrition, and strength. As a long-distance runner, capoeirista, dancer, and cross country coach, Kayla personally values the importance of functional strength to increase mobility and decrease injury. She is passionate about supporting an active lifestyle through mindful movement and helping others achieve their own goals.

Carolyn Pratt

Carolyn has a passion for fitness and Capoeira! Don't miss her high-energy classes and workouts.

Instructors

Adriana

Juan Pablo

Kayla Cochran

Carolyn Pratt

Alex Washburn