Kuduro and AfroHouse Dancer Blue Makes Her NYC Debut

Hailing from the UK with Angolan roots Blue (Diese Viera) is one of the few female dancers pushing Kuduro on the European stage.  Ahead of her NYC debut we caught up with the dancer and choreographer for a quick chat:

AFROCONEX:  thank you for taking the time to connect with us.  Can you help to introduce yourself ? 

BLUE:   Hi everyone, my name is Diese Viera, aka Blue. I am 29 years old and I am a dancer specializing in AfroHouse, Kuduro and AfroFusion styles.  I was born in Portugal, grew up Angola, and currently living in the UK.  I’ve been dancing since I was 5 years old, but started training professionally when I was 16.  

AFROCONEX: how do you describe your dance and what are some of the influences and inspirations shaping your dance ?

BLUE: I’d say my dance is mainly powerful with a lot of attitude! I am really expressive when I dance. I am inspired by other female dancers from outside of my dance style who exude the power of being a great dancer.  Dancers like Cori D, Malewa, Zota, Precious, Miss Lulu and Selma. And of course dancers in my circle who are friends, like Septzilla, Cruz, Bruno, Dlonze, and many more.  I take a bit of everyone’s knowledge to build myself. 

AFROCONEX:  What is your approach to Kuduro/Afrohouse and what do you want to share with people about this style ? 

BLUE:  Kuduro and Afrohouse are my roots and I want people to understand, respect and love the culture, the same way we do back home (In Angola) 

AFROCONEX:  you will be hosting a class on February 20th in New York City, is this your first class in New York? What can students expect for this class ? 

BLUE: Yes this is my first class in New York and I am really excited to share with the students there. I think students can expect really good vibes, some historical information and of course fun! 

AFROCONEX:  Many students think Kuduro is intimidating, what do you say to students who are intimidated to learn the dance? 

BLUE:  In the case of Kuduro, what I can say is….be uncomfortable.  Be uncomfortable with the style until you get and understand the vibe. When you get the vibe, you will see that Kuduro is one of the best styles ever created.  Try it before you fear it!