Joinville Dance Festival features veteran's classical farewell and teen's debut

Brazilian dancer Marcelo Mourão Gomes marked the end of his classical repertoire with a gala performance at the 43rd Festival de Dança de Joinville on 26 July. Sharing the stage with Royal Swedish Ballet principal Luiza Lopes, Gomes performed the iconic pas de deux from "Romeo and Juliet" and a neoclassical solo choreographed by Justin Peck, before announcing his retirement from classical works while continuing with the Wiener Staatsballett in Vienna.

Thirteen‑year‑old Lucas Nascimento, a dancer from Ceará, will represent his state at the same festival, competing from 26 July to 2 August. His participation is funded by the Instituto Aço Cearense, which covered travel and accommodation. Nascimento, a student of the Rossana Pucci Academy and the Dança e Vida program, aims to showcase his talent on Brazil’s largest dance stage.

The festival, the country’s premier dance event, draws performers and audiences from across Brazil and abroad.