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Executive Director/Dancer: C. Renee Stoltzfus

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"Brazilian born, but adopted and raised in the USA, I have often felt like a cultural outsider to both of my nationalities. Growing up with my Brazilian brothers and sisters here in Ohio we found ourselves naturally drawn to many of the things that make Brazil such a well recognized country: My sisters and brothers were stars on their soccer teams, I learned to fight in MMA, we listened to Brazilian music and ate delicious Brazilian food, but quite frankly I still didn't FEEL Brazilian.

However, I clearly remember the chills on my skin that I felt when I first heard the batucada of the samba drums. The fanfare. The energy. It connected to my soul in such a deep and resonant way and I just knew that I'd at last found an authentic connection to my home country.  

I started JOYBRASILEIRA as a way to explore and celebrate the traditional dances of Brazil and to share that joy with all of YOU! I want to share this vibrant, energetic, joyful celebration of Brazilian culture through this company's performance and education efforts. I hope you all enjoy this journey with me."

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Renee first learned to samba around 9 years of age from her older sister Bia! She holds a BFA in Musical Theater from Ohio Northern University. Renee has made a career of acting, modeling, and dancing here in Cincinnati. She formalized her samba training and studied through the online samba courses offered by renowned samba school "Academicos do Salgueiro" and the Brazilian fitness dance styles taught through Zumba World Rhythms.  

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Our Amazing Dancers:

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Ashley O Morton: The Children's Theater of Cincinnati, Cincy Brazil Samba Dance, Pones Inc, The Carnegie, Cincinnati Landmark Productions

Indya Lincicome: Cincinnati Conservatory of Music

Sasha Spitz: Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Off-Broadway production of Audrey: A New Musical, Black Rock Theater, Theater Aspen, The Carnegie

Alloria Frayser: Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Lexington Theater Company, The Children's Theater of Cincinnati, The Carnegie

Sheri Riley: Sheri Productions LLC, Film Writer, Director, Producer, Cincy Brazil Samba Dance, Actor in Cincinnati

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