Queensland Forro Festival Artists

Guardians of Traditional Forró Pé de Serra Dedicated to preserving and celebrating authentic traditional forró, Trio Dona Zefa brings the true spirit of forró pé de serra to life with their unique cadence recognized both in Brazil and internationally. As prominent forró artists, they have released five albums and collaborated with legendary figures like Dominguinhos, Genival Lacerda, and Anastácia, building a reputation through deep research into forró’s vast traditional repertoire. Their shows, often attended by aspiring dance instructors and fans alike, feature fresh interpretations of classics by Luiz Gonzaga, Trio Nordestino, and Jackson do Pandeiro, alongside their own original compositions. From the first note to the last, this trio guarantees everyone will be dancing—delivering the beauty and peculiarities of genuine Brazilian forró with infectious energy and heart.

A true pioneer of traditional Forró, Yse is one of the leading dance instructors with 23 years of dance expertise and a unique teaching philosophy that honors both Leader and Follower roles equally. Originally from Florianópolis and now based in Portugal, she has toured Europe five times and the USA twice, sharing the authentic essence of Forró worldwide. As the founder of the Porto Roots project and one of the earliest Forró artists in this style, Yse combines her background in physical education with deep cultural knowledge to create classes that are both technically rich and soulfully connected to Forró’s traditions.

This dynamic duo represents the evolution of contemporary forró. Ícaro, one of the prominent dance instructors with over 10 years of experience across Brazil and 12+ European countries, is renowned for his conscious improvisation and ability to bring the unexpected into dance. Drawing from Capoeira Angola and Brazilian popular culture, he teaches listening, adaptation, and authentic expression. Giovanna, a talented forró artist, seamlessly bridges university and traditional forró styles with her signature fluid improvisation. Together, they emphasize dialogue in dance—listening, autonomy, and mutual responsibility—creating a learning experience that honors individual style while deepening connection. As co-founders of Salvador's "Do Roots ao Universitário" project, they bring technical depth, cultural richness, and genuine partnership to the floor.