THE TEAM
"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away"
Our team is made up of top South American artists. We work with a number of professionally trained Cuban and Brazilian teachers, including professionals from the Cuban National Ballet School and the National Havana School of Music. All of our teachers are trained, experienced, and professionals in their field. We also work with artists of other nationalities who are excellent in Latin music and dance. Our teachers teach a range of arts from Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz, to Folklore, Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian dance, Samba, Capoeira, and Percussion. We are proud to have former dancers of the West End Hit "Havana Rakatan" as instructors.
Esther Alvero
Oi Brasil's Creative Director &
Co-Fonder of "The Manana Project"
'I've found the job that I love so I don't have to work ever again!"
Esther's passion for dancing and Latin American Culture has turned her hobbies into her main business.
In 2004 together with her partner Antonio de Freitas they co-founded "Cubaneando" becoming one of London’s leading promoters of authentic Cuban Salsa. In 2006 they founded Oi Brasil! which has become internationally renowned in the entertainment industry for being the only company specialized in authentic Brazilian & Cuban entertainment for corporate events.
Alongside this, Esther has been working with Nilda Guerra, Director & Choreographer of the West End Hit Show "Havana Rakatan", and is currently creating residential entertainment productions with "Rakatan Productions".
Esther has a long history of teaching & performing background, together with her event management and production skills and knowledge of both Cuban & Brazilian entertainment and culture, which make a powerful combination of providing creative and authentic entertainment, events and cultural projects.
ANTONIO DE FREITAS
"Oi Brasil's Director , Performer &
Co-founder of "The Manana Project"
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Antonio started performing at sixteen years of age as a tambourine juggler and percussionist. He performed in top Samba Schools in Rio, and has toured internationally for eleven years performing in Spain, Finland, Morocco, Norway, France, Switzerland & Hungary and appearing in numerous television shows. In 2002, he moved to the UK and settled in London where he began working as a salsa instructor and promoter. He was soon held in high regard in the London Cuban Salsa scene and has since won many awards including the ‘Tropicana Tropics Rueda Championship’ in 2004. Using his experience as a performer, percussionist and promoter he created along with Esther Alvero, the performance company, Oi Brasil. Whether it's performing, teaching or directing, Antonio is heavily involved in each and every event & project ensuring we provide the most authentic and exciting Latin American experience!
