Born in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, Instructora Pantera started studying dance at the age of 5, signalling the start of a lifelong love of dance and expressive movement. She went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Dance from the Federal University of Bahia in 2001, and shortly thereafter began touring with several dance companies throughout Brazil, the U.S., Asia and Canada.

Pantera has received dance training in classical ballet, contact improvisation, modern and Afro-Brazilian dance. She has been training capoeira with Contra Mestre Lua Branca for 10 years and received her Instructor’s cord in 2009. Together they have a 3-year old daughter, Camila, already following in her parents’ footsteps.