She is the founder and director of Na Ponta dos Pés, a dance school that provides ballet training for underprivileged girls living in the favelas of Complexo do Alemão in Rio de Janeiro.
[1] She performed as a dancer and gymnast, representing Brazil at international events, including the World Gymnaestrada, until her career was cut short due to a lack of resources.
[4] In 2012 she launched Na Ponta dos Pés, a dance project providing classical ballet training for girls ages four to fifteen living in the Morro do Adeus favela of Alemão.
[5][6] Her program caters to young women and girls who are from families involved in narcotic wars, extreme poverty, and gang violence.
[8][9] The program is free for students, who are required to provide their report cards showing they are enrolled in school and passing their classes in order to be eligible.