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.

Liviolka Abreu

My name is Liviolka and 30 years ago I was born on our “dushi Korsou”.  I got my degree in administration and also desk clerk.  After graduating from school I worked for a little while at “MNO Vervat”. Later on I worked for 5 years at a Freezone Company as an adminsitrator.

Currently I work at Fidas as office assistant and telephone operator. Although I never danced I do enjoy seeing  people dance and admire a good choreography.

Working at the danceschool I got to experience up close all the preparations for a production. From the start of an idea, the rehearsals, costumes etc etc until final presentations. It was a new and pleasent experience.

I hope the school will grow and continue in its effort to bring great and beautiful performances frequently.

Lisa de Lannoy

I am Lisa de Lannoy, born and raised in beautiful Curaçao. Recently I have returned from Holland where I have studied dance at ArteZ Hogeschool voor de kunsten in Arnhem. Here I have obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Dance in Education.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a love, passion and affinity with dance. Fina Dance Art School has always been my second home, and I’ve always said I’d come back to give back what I have learned abroad.
At Fina Dance Art School, I’ve started as a student, did 2 levels op the DIO-curriculum, went to Holland to get my degree and now I’m extatic to fulfill my role as head-teacher at FiDAS.

It is immensely important , for me as a teacher, to teach my students atleast the fundamentals of the different dance-genres aswell as having laughter, joy, fun and a release in class. This way I hope to help every student reach their full potential as dancers and so make, not only FiDAS, but Curaçao known for having amazing, passionate and talented dancers.

“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” Through dance we can express that which we can’t through words.

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”

Sheldon Angelister

My name is Sheldon Angelister. I was born in Jamaica and grew up in Curaçao. At the present I am studying Social Pedagogy Assistant at the Eligia Martir SBO. This training entails guiding and motivating children and youngsters in their development through various activities and having fun while learning.

I ‘ve been going to Fina Dance Art School for 3 and half years, attending the special scholarship program. I am also a Simia dancer, which is the pre-professional dance company of the school.  I have learned so much, not only the technical and disciplinarian part of the various dance techniques, but also the courses in self-improvement and empowerment given by the Fidas institution. My love and passion for dance has grown even more now that I have been giving this opportunity at Fidas. I would so much love to continue my dance studies abroad and Fidas is preparing me for that journey.

My goal is to inspire everyone around me to dance and awaken the joy of doing it. Because I believe to be free is to feel like being a kid again.  Dancing brings the kid in me alive.

Taïva Martins Pereira

My name is Taïva Martins Pereira and I was born on the beautiful Island of Curaçao. I started dancing at Fina Dance Art School when I was 4 years old, so I’ve been dancing all my life. Dance is not just a hobby for me, it has also become a part of my life. Dancing has helped me grow over the years by becoming an inspiring, dedicated and confident woman.

I dance ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap and hip hop. I feel more connections with ballet and contemporary because it is softer and more delicate and it is a way of expressing myself through body movements without saying a word.

Fina Dance Art School became like a second home for me. I am currently helping at FIDAS by teaching classes and assisting with school projects about dance. I hope to continue teaching and soon start the DIO, the teacher’s education program, to gain more insight into the power of teaching dance.

“Dance through the rhyme of your heart and you are guaranteed to feel happy.”