Dance speaks the truth.
NUMA FEST & QUEENSLAND FUSION BELLY DANCE PRESENTS
OLGA MEOS (KAZ) + RAISA LATORRACA (BRA) + BERNARDO BITTENCOURT (BRA) + THAIS CARVALHO (AUS/BRA) + PERFORMANCE PROJECTS + WORKSHOPS + GALA SHOW ‘HUMAN’
At NUMA FEST, we are committed to the wellbeing of all attendees. To support this, we’re offering a free 30-minute mental health workshop for all attendees led by our Mental Health Counsellor Amanda Jane, designed to provide valuable tools for relaxation, reflection, and stress relief. Additionally, we’re offering 20-minute individual massage sessions, available on a first-come, first-served basis and paid directly to the therapist, to help release tension and rejuvenate participants for the day’s events. These wellness options aim to create a balanced and supportive environment, ensuring a fulfilling experience for everyone at the festival.
WELLBEING AT NUMA FEST
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS AT NUMA FEST 2025
OLGA MEOS (KAZAKHSTAN/ESTONIA)
Dancer, Choreographer, and Creative Visionary
Olga Meos is an extraordinary dancer and choreographer celebrated for her distinctive style, masterful technique, 18 years of experience and profound ability to convey emotion through movement. With a rich background in dance, Olga’s performances captivate audiences, showcasing both technical precision and a uniquely creative approach to artistic expression. Known for her grace and fluidity, she transforms each dance into an evocative journey, leaving lasting impressions through her innovative compositions and personal style.
As a choreographer, Olga’s creative prowess shines in her ability to construct mesmerizing pieces that reflect her artistic vision and bring an exceptional depth to the stage. Her choreographies are celebrated for their originality and for pushing the boundaries of dance expression, making her a prominent figure in the international dance community.
RAISA LATORRACA (BRAZIL)
Raisa Latorraca began her training in classical ballet before discovering belly dance and, later, tribal fusion, where she firmly established her roots. A lover of movement, she has always explored various styles and forms of body study, including jazz, contemporary dance, flamenco, and martial arts. She has been a dedicated instructor for 16 uninterrupted years and serves as the director and choreographer of Cia Imani Tribe. Raisa has represented Brazil internationally, performing in Dubai and Istanbul. In 2017, one of her choreographies was selected for the gala show at Opa! Fest in Buenos Aires, where she performed alongside Ashley Lopez (USA). She studied with prominent national and international figures in Tribal Fusion and ATS®. In 2015, she became an FCBD® Sister Studio under Carolena Nericcio and Megha Gavin.
BERNARDO BITTENCOURT - OUD MUSICIAN (BRAZIL)
Bernardo Bittencourt is an alaudist, multi-instrumentalist, teacher, and composer. He studied at the Beşiktaş Müzik Merkezi in Turkey, as well as in Egypt, Lebanon, and Azerbaijan, where he specialized in the ethnic musical systems of each of these countries. In 2008, he founded the group "KERVANSARAI," which explores the sounds of the Arab, Persian, Turkish, Mediterranean, and Caucasian worlds. Bernardo is a musician who blends traditional and contemporary styles through genres that express beauty and spontaneity, envisioning cultural bridges between Brazil and his roots.
THAIS CARVALHO (AUSTRALIA-BRAZIL)
Thais Carvalho, the director of NUMA FEST and Queensland Fusion Belly Dance, is a highly respected dancer and choreographer with over 15 years in the dance industry. Her rich multicultural heritage inspires her commitment to inclusivity and cultural exchange through dance. Thais has produced and performed at significant events, including Queensland’s Fringe Festival, Fusion Festival Brasil, Fringe Festival and Brisbane Festival.
Her journey includes collaborating with world-renowned artists, such as translating and performing with Zoe Jakes in Brazil. Thais’s work often explores themes of heritage, empowerment, and shared humanity. With NUMA FEST, she aims to make Brisbane a global hub for dance, creating a platform where emerging and seasoned artists alike can connect and shine.
2024 AGENDA
I came back recently from a South American tour and had the greatest opportunity to learn and share stage with the only and one Zoe Jakes and Her Choreography Intensive was absolutely amazing and intense, so much learning and a methodology that had a huge impact in our creative and stage processes as teachers and choreographers. I’ve learned a lot and I can’t wait to share with you all how her influence can change a whole scenario, specially when we talk about choreography! She is one of the most important and talented dancers in the Fusion Style and having her in a classroom is just another level, so Here are some photos from the amazing event held by Joline Andrade in Brazil.
Choreography by Zoe Jakes - Dark Forest
Photos by Ives Padilha & Ligia Rizerio.
Fusion Festival Brasil
Salvador - Bahia - Brazil
FUSION FESTIVAL BRAZIL WITH ZOE JAKES
OUR INSTRUCTOR
Driven by a thirst for exploration and artistic growth, Thais's dance odyssey began at the tender age of three, as she embarked in classical ballet training and Theatre, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for movement and expression.
As her artistic journey unfolded, our director ventured into various dance genres, exploring the realms of commercial dance, contemporary styles, and the vibrant rhythms of Brazilian regional dance. This diverse exposure enriched her dance vocabulary and nurtured her versatility as a performer.
However, it was the allure of belly dance and fusion styles that truly captivated her heart and soul. For the past decade, she immersed herself in the study of belly dance and fusion techniques, delving deep into the intricacies of this mesmerising art form. Thais completed a Teacher Training in Tribal Fusion Belly Dance , and Complimented her studies with Raks Sharki, Datura Style and FCBD® and was highly influenced by Jamilla Salimpour, John Compton, Masha Archer, Mardi Love , Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes and recently travelled to South America to teach workshops in Brazil and participated in a Choreography and Performance Intensive with Zoe Jakes at Fusion Festival Brasil held by Joline Andrade with over 60 professional dancers and 4 countries.
