Ry'el is not just an artist—he's a force of creativity, a performer, a choreographer, an instructor, a dance coach, a mentor, and a dedicated community builder. He has a deep passion for LambaZouk (the hybrid of Brazilian Zouk and Lambada)—a dance that evolved from the famous Lambada in the 1980s, and believes in the transformative power of dance to enhance movement, connection, and expression in people's lives.

Since 2011, Ry'el has played a significant role in the growth of Brazilian Zouk in the United States, especially in New York City where the dance scene was just beginning to grow when he arrived. To shape the Brazilian Zouk scene and its growth, he first assisted his teacher Kim Rottier of Zouk NY, danced and performed with sister Clo Ferreira and then continued to teach weekly classes and national workshops while performed all around the USA.

He had the opportunity to develop teacher trainings to support the growth of teachers in NYC and around the USA with the goal to inspire others to find their voices and share their talents and skills as teachers, performers, DJs, community builders, and organizers. He has mentored and trained some great influencers and artists in the NYC scene, such as Jessica Lamdon, Vinny, DJ Power, Igor Fraga, Shane Rasnak, Leslie Zouk, while continually trained other teachers in other parts of the United States. All of them have shared their talents in unique ways.

Internationally, he has taught and performed in over 17 countries and 34 cities worldwide sharing his love for this dance across the US, Europe, Asia, and Brazil. Yet it wasn’t until the opportunity to join as a dancer and dance captain the show Brazouka!, the story of Lambada legend Braz Do Santos (touring through England South Africa and Australia), and his first trip to Porto Seguro, Brazil (the birthplace of Lambada) that he was able to understand the importance of the roots of Brazilian Zouk. There he found the and essence of Lambada. These two extraordinary experiences transformed his teachings and art, shifting his focus to showcase the importance of the classical roots of the dance while continuing to explore and evolve the dance throughout the hybrid style of LambaZouk.

As a council member of the American Lambada Organization and the Lambada World Dance Council, he has dedicated his career to teaching LambaZouk and expressive movement for social dancing.

Ry'el goes beyond teaching steps; it’s about fostering a deep appreciation for Lambada and Brazilian Zouk, building a strong foundation rooted in the evolution of classical techniques from Lambada’s origins mixed with each dancer’s curiosity and personal explorations. His teaching helps dancers develop fluidity, versatility, and a deeper connection to the dancers and teachers within.

In 2023, Ry'el embarked on a new chapter as a solo artist, focusing on empowering local instructors, community builders and dance scenes that have limited access to LambaZouk. Based in Colorado, his current work supports communities in the whole USA spreading the joy of movement through his new project, The RAD Method for LambaZouk, which is great for those that are new to the dance and want an easier stepping stone to both Brazilian Zouk or Lambada or for those whom are seasoned to compliment the synergies of the two dances. As a trained dancer in ballet, contemporary, modern dance ballroom and salsa before Lambazouk, his experience and dance vocabulary have enhanced and facilitated his process to break down and share this beautiful dance in simple ways for all levels and ages of dancers.

RAD (Ry'el ART Dance) Method for Lambazouk is built on three core concepts, which he has developed over the past decade: Dance Calligraphy (2023), Lambazouk Dimensions (2018), and Zenzouk Colors (2013). Each concept integrates movement with visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements, offering a comprehensive curriculum that accommodates diverse learning styles. Ry’el’s approach makes learning LambaZouk dynamic and engaging, helping dancers grow in their own unique ways.

Notable Career Highlights:

• Lead Role in Dark Night of the Soul (2024, Key West International Dance Company) – A unique stage performance debuting in October 2024.

• Co-Organizer & Instructor at the New York Zouk Festival (2014-2022), Lambanapolis Crossroads Festival (2023), and Zouk 'n Play in Atlantic City (2018-2020), bringing together Brazilian Zouk and Lambada to inspire a new generation of dancers.

• Dance Captain & Performer for the international show Brazouka (2014-2015) – The story of Lambada pioneer and legend Braz Dos Santos, touring in England, South Africa, and Australia, alongside Lambada legends such as Bras dos Santos, Gilson Damasco, Bebe, Romina Hidalgo, Natasha Terekhina, Josy Borges among other incredible artists

• Director of The MOON (2020, Zouk N’Play Festival, Atlantic City) – A visionary production uniting his NYC team with national and international dance communities. • Winner of the International Zouk Flashmob (2013) – A global dance event performed worldwide.