Patron
Master Braz Dos Santos
Master Braz is widely accepted to be the most celebrated Lambada dancer in the world. Born in Porto Seguro in Brazil in 1969, he was an integral part of the development of Lambada at the Bocca da Barra. After winning many early competitions, including the ‘Champion of Champions’, he and his brother Didi were chosen to perform internationally with the famous KAOMA company that made Lambada an international sensation. After touring the world with KAOMA, Master Braz began to teach, perform, and help establish lambada communities in the UK, The Netherlands, Argentina, Israel, Spain – and now the USA. A major stage show called ‘Brazouka’ was created about his rise from teenage fisherman to world famous dance star. Master Braz’s peerless video performances have reached millions online. He regularly presents the Brazouka Beach Festival in Porto Seguro. Master Braz is now based in Key West, Florida, where he teaches 50-hour Certificate Courses in Lambada and heads the faculty at Pasion Project Dance Studio. He was the inspiration for the development of the ALO’s Lambada Jack & Jill Competitions, for which he has frequently served as Head Judge.
Council Members
The American Lambada Organization is a not-for-profit association based in North America. Its members can be USA-Based or International.
Dr. Pamela Stephenson Connolly, President
Key West, FL
Pamela Stephenson Connolly’s involvement with dance and performing has spanned decades. As a child, she was a TV and stage performer of ballet, then expanded her formal dance and performing education at the Arts Educational School in London, appearing with the Royal Festival Ballet. After graduating from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney, she travelled to the UK and established herself as a well-known TV, stage and film actress and comedian, while continuing to study Ballet, Lyrical Jazz, Ballroom Dance, Latin Dance, Argentina Tango and Brazilian dance forms. Now a Licensed Doctor of Psychology, an author of seven books, she continues to dance, teach and promote Lambada. She co-created ‘Brazouka’ stage show and is the Organizer of the Brazouka Beach Festival. Dr. Connolly has promoted Lambada for many years. She is committed to the support and development of Lambada in the USA.
Shani Mayer
Los Angeles, CA
Shani Mayer is the Organizer of the Los Angeles Zouk Festival, and a veteran teacher, performer and promoter of Lambada and Brazilian Zouk.
Ry’El
New York, NY
A Venezuelan-born New Yorker, Ry’El is the creator of Zen Zouk and a strong supporter, teacher and performer of Lambada. Ry’El is also an organizer of the New York Zouk Festival in Manhattan, and Zouk ‘n Play in Atlantic City.
Jessica Lamdon
New York, NY
Jessica Lamdon is a New York-based actor who has taught, performed and promoted Lambada since first beginning to work with Ry’El over ten years ago. Jessica is also admired for her inspired MC performances and her online promotional comedy.
Lena Thieme
Portland, OR
Lena Thieme is a veteran teacher and performer of Lambada, based in Portland, Oregon. She was a cast member of ‘Brazouka’ and is a qualified physiotherapist, specializing in dance injury rehabilitation and prevention.
Joel Beall
Sacramento, CA
Joel Beall is an inspiring Lambada teacher and performer, based near Sacramento, California. He is a graduate of the Master Braz Teachers’ Training Course.