Luana Dias David
Luana Dias David is a Brazilian performing artist, choreographer, and cultural educator whose work bridges tradition and innovation in Afro-Latin dance. Born in São Paulo, she carries over 20 years of international experience, performing and teaching across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Her artistry is deeply rooted in the rhythms of Samba, Capoeira, and Latin dance, shaped by her training in classical ballet, jazz, and breakdancing. A passionate preserver of heritage, she serves as Board Director of G.R.E.S. Tigre Dourado, a prestigious Samba school in Brazil, and has created costumes since the age of 14—an ancestral craft passed down by her mother.
Luana is the founder of Berkshire Brazil, a platform dedicated to celebrating Latin and Afro-diasporic arts through performances, workshops, and cultural events. She has collaborated with Jacob’s Pillow, Mass MoCA, and the Mill Town Foundation, and has performed on international television, including RAI UNO (Italy) and Rossiya 1 (Russia). Her career highlights include performing for Italian President Silvio Berlusconi in Rome’s Piazza Navona.
Currently, she is developing The Quilombo Experience, an immersive performance that traces the evolution of Samba from its roots to the vibrant, multicultural spectacle of Carnaval in Brazil today. Inspired by the historical quilombos—communities of resistance formed by enslaved Africans who fled captivity —the project is a celebration of racial inclusion, resilience, and unity. Through dance, live music, and storytelling, The Quilombo Experience invites audiences to witness how Afro-diasporic traditions continue to shape cultural identity and collective belonging worldwide.