our team

Josefina M. Ferreira

As a dance teacher, choreographer, dancer, producer, co-owner/director of the Fina Dance Art School, and president of the Dance and More Foundation, I have had the privilege of sharing the art of dance in all its facets for over 40 years.

Born and raised in Curacao, I moved to the Netherlands after completing high school. At the Amsterdam School of the Arts, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Dance Education and Theatre Dance. Upon returning to Curaçao, I danced and choreographed for the folkloric dance group Grupo Folkloriko Kreativo, which went on twice to showcase Curaçao at the International Cultural Festival in Knoxville, USA.

In 1983, I established the dance school with Shirley Pole-van Heijningen (deceased) as my assistant. A couple of years later we established our Pre professional school (Simia) offering a comprehensive curriculum designed to cultivate the artistry and technical skills of aspiring dancers.  Back in 2000, I established the Dance and More Foundation to strengthen our dedication to supporting numerous underprivileged young individuals

In 2012, I was privileged to receive the Cola Debrot Prize, a prestigious award presented by the Curaçao government to acknowledge outstanding contributions to culture and the performing arts in general.

Throughout the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside amazing, talented, and dedicated individuals in our team who share the same goals and aspirations. Our mission is to enrich the lives of children, young adults, and individuals by providing access to the arts and reaching out to underserved communities. Achieving this milestone is truly remarkable.

Sandra Ferreira

I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Curaçao. After my college – preparatory school  I completed an office management course, and since then I have been working as an office manager.

I am working at the Fina Dance Art School since 2003, attending at the front desk and taking care of the daily administrative activities. Since 2013 I am co-Directing the school together with my sister Josefina Ferreira.  I am also the treasurer of Dance and More Foundation.

I love dance and love watching a good piece. In my younger days (believe it or not) I also used to dance and was even part of “Balèt Kontemporaneo di Korsou”. Nowadays the dance company is called Simia Dance Company.  I have learned a lot during that time and have many fun memories of those days.

“Fun and relaxing”. It is important for youngsters and everybody in general to take dance classes because it’s fun and relaxing, and it will take you to another world.

If the world would dance more, I’m sure there would be less war.

Daan Berrevoets

I am Daan Berrevoets, a former primary school teacher from the Netherlands with over 20 years of experience. My mother mentioned that I was singing even before I began to speak.

I have a passion for singing, starting from a young age in choirs and progressing to solo performances and  even sung on national television a few times  During my teenage years, I began taking private singing lessons. Over time, I acquired a wealth of knowledge on various techniques that I continue to apply to this day. Currently residing  in Curaçao, I participate in the local Popcorn choir, bringing joy through festive Christmas performances each December.

I enjoy teaching at Fina Dance Art School and take pride in ensuring every child can sing and dance in our shows. We don’t hold auditions; any child eager to learn can join us. It’s always a heartwarming experience to watch our kids perform at the end of the schoolyear, showcasing what they have learned. Were you aware that learning to sing can also enhance your child’s dancing skills? Singing teaches storytelling through music, triggers the happiness hormone (endorphins), improves concentration, fosters teamwork, and boosts confidence.. I have observed reserved children metamorphose into captivating performers within moments.

I look forward to meeting your child soon and introducing them to the wonderful world of singing and dancing.

Melany Cardose

My name is Melany Cardose and I was born on the beautiful island Curaçao. Last year I moved back from Holland where I attended the Amsterdam University of Arts, dance teachers programme.

I am currently working at  Fina dance art school, where I teach toddlers, kids, teens, selection class 2 and adults dance classes.

I started dancing at Fidas when I was 3 years old. I fell in love with dance and never stopped dancing ever since. I got to know myself through dance. It made me a stronger person physically and mentally. Dance also allowed me to be open to express myself. And that’s one of my dearest personal characteristics.

This is also something I think is very important as a dance teacher, that my students can dance, but also express themselves and be confident in who they are.

“Dancing is an art, a sport, it’s passion, expression, dedication and determination.

 It’s blood, sweat and tears. Hard work and focus. It’s our kind of freedom”

Isabel Berenos

My name is Isabel Bérénos.
I’ve enjoyed a successful career as a dancer, performing in theater and television worldwide, traveling, and collaborating with incredible artists. It all began at Fina Dance Art School, where I received top-level training that gave me the foundation to grow as a dancer. Later on I completed my dance studies at Lucia Marthas Institute for performing Arts in the Netherlands and i’m currently living in Curaçao.
 
At Fidas I teach jazz, tap, and contemporary dance. In my classes we will be working on precision, building focus, developing discipline and improving attention span. These skills are just as important as learning the steps. Also, we work on musicality and developing a healthy learning environment to establish a growth mindset. As a teacher I aim to create a space where students are supported, but also challenged.
 
Dance is a skill you can learn, but it is also a tool and gateway to other art forms. It can build qualities and skills you can use everywhere in life. If we teach our children well, we give them a lifelong trait that may guide and support them in all paths of life.

Cem Diesveld

Hi everyone! My name is Cem Diesveld, and I was born in the Netherlands. I hold a Master of Laws degree, but beyond law, my true passion has always been dancing—especially teaching it.
 
I first stepped into a Hip Hop class when I was 9 years old, and from that moment on, I was hooked. Over the years, dance led me to urban competitions, where I proudly won multiple Dutch Championships. At 16, I began teaching, and I’ve been sharing my love for dance ever since. My main styles are Afrodance, Dancehall, and Hip Hop, though I also enjoy teaching Commercial and High Heels.
 
In my classes, FUN comes first! My goal is to see everyone leave with a smile, while also learning something new each time. I’ve just started teaching at Fidas, and I’d love to welcome you. If you’re curious, ready to move, and want to have a great time—Fidas is the place for you!
 
“There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them.”