Rodrigo Delano

Rodrigo Delano is one of the foremost international references in Brazilian Zouk, Lambada, and partner dancing. A teacher, choreographer, and movement scientist, he is recognized for uniting art, science, and body health in a unique approach that revolutionized dance education. Founder and director of the University of Partner Dance (UDS) in Belo Horizonte since 2000, he created a methodology that integrates biomechanics, musicality, and self-knowledge, promoting well-being and high performance through movement.

He developed pioneering techniques such as the Passive Head Movement® (TMPC) — the biomechanical basis of Brazilian Zouk head movements — and Anamnese para Movimento e Dança® (AMD), a tool that identifies each student’s body and musical profile. He also created Integrative Partner Dance®, combining dance, physiotherapy, aromatherapy, and yoga.

Delano is the creator and director of BH Zouk, one of the world’s largest Zouk festivals, and was choreographer of the 2015 International Zouk Day, celebrated in 52 countries. Internationally, he has delivered workshops and lectures in the United States, Argentina, New Zealand, Switzerland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Australia, and participated in major dance congresses.

His artistic path includes “Dança dos Famosos” (Rede Globo, 2009) and the production of the world’s first Zouk DVD (2004). He also created iconic movements such as Volta ao Mundo, Helicóptero, Frango Assado, and Rolê — all grounded in his TMPC technique.

A physiotherapist trained at UFMG with emphasis on motor learning, Delano researches the history of Lambada and Brazilian Zouk, compiling more than 30 academic interviews on the subject. He is a Director of the Brazilian Zouk Dance Council (BZDC) and introduced to Belo Horizonte styles such as West Coast Swing, Sertanejo Universitário, Kizomba, and Zouk de Roda, inspiring new generations of dancers and teachers.

He also promotes inclusion through the VAMOS DANÇAR project, which integrates visually impaired people into dance using audio description and tactile lead-and-follow.

He is currently leading projects such as BH Zouk Fest 2025 and developing his book Envelopamento de Hábitos – A chave para a dança de hábitos, reinforcing his legacy as a leading figure in contemporary Brazilian dance and a true symbol of the integration between movement, science, and art.