MEET THE TEAM - TEACHERS AND PERFORMERS
Kate (Cat) Hill
Founder & Director, Studio Candela and the Johannesburg School of Samba (SambaJozi). An official ‘passista’ (professional member of the samba dance wing of premier, legendary samba school Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel in Rio de Janeiro, Cat has trained in Rio for over 16 years. She is committed to spreading her love for the current history and community of the Afro-Brazilian art of samba throughout South Africa. Cat is also the founder of the Johannesburg Afro-Latin Festival and partner, Danzibar Festival, a seasoned business and non-profit management consultant, and an aspiring public health impact researcher.
Ryan Hill
A musician and dancer, Ryan has 22 years of experience in the emerging markets media and entertainment sector. He has pioneered and transformed successful industry organisations. He is a pianist who loves natural sciences, Afro-Latin dancing and travel. Ryan has been dancing and teaching salsa since 2005.
Instrutora Cansada (Andrea Peixoto)
With 15 years of dedication to the Brazilian Martial art capoeira, Instrutora Cansada (Andrea Peixoto) has trained in South Africa and Brazil under the guidance of Mestres Bogado, Garganta and Carlinhos from Rio de Janeiro and is affiliated with the Association of Capoeira in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro.
Our school, Capoeira Raízes, follows the capoeira style of Rio de Janeiro under the guidance of Mestre Carlinhos. Our students are registered and graded with the Capoeira Federation in Rio. We combine elements of martial arts, acrobatics, music and dance with the Brazilian martial art, capoeira and our classes focus on strengthening boy and mind and building fitness, strength and self-defence skills.
Leigh Nathan
One of the founding members of Candela Jozi Dance Company, Leigh has performed with the company since 2016, dancing salsa, bachata, kizomba and Brazilian samba. Leigh is the owner of The SalsaAddicts JHB dance school in Parkhurst. Check out the SalsaAddicts studio for foundational through to advanced salsa and bachata classes.
Michael Swanepoel
Michael is a professional dancer and instructor from Cape Town. He joined Candela Jozi in 2019 as a performer and instructor. During his time at Candela Jozi he has performed at the Johannesburg Afro-Latin festival in 2020 and at corporate events in Johannesburg.
Michael started his training in Afro-Latin style dances such as Salsa, Kizomba and Bachata in Cape Town. His dance career started with Modern Theatre dance and Contemporary dance at Northern Youth Dance Company before he discovered his love for Afro-Latin dance. He continues his training in Modern Theatre and Ballet and is currently working towards completing an Associates certification in Modern Theatre dance.
Michael has a strong passion for building community within the dance space, has been involved in community outreach and was part of core leadership for organising the Johannesburg Afro-Latin Festival 2020
Kelly Lynch
Owner, The Art of Movement Dance & Yoga Studio, Emmarentia. Kelly has danced Brazilian samba and salsa with Candela Jozi since 2016 and is a member of our show team.