Dressed in high-heeled boots, colourful costumes and larger-than-life make-up, Portimão’s dancing diva Lu Angel doesn’t just perform, she lives to dance. For her, moving to the beat of Brazilian funk is more than just work; it’s passion, identity, and a rhythm that has shaped her entire life.
Born in Salvador, in Brazil’s vibrant northeast, Lu fell in love with dance at the tender age of six. Inspired by global icons like Britney Spears and the Spice Girls, she knew early on that the stage was where she belonged. With her mother’s support, she began taking classes in street jazz and jazz funk. A decade of dedication later, she was teaching her own students, with the spirit of carnaval evident through her choreography, as she stepped into the world of Brazilian funk, which has gained popularity across Europe and the Americas in recent years. Determined to grow, Lu enrolled in not one, but two dance colleges after finishing high school, all while continuing to teach in her spare time. “Dance is my life. It’s been my passion since I was a child. I knew I was born for it,” Lu told me as she prepared for a show.
Salvador’s density and fast-moving pace eventually pushed Lu to look beyond Brazil for new opportunities. Her mother, who first taught her how to do make-up, always encouraged her to aim high and find her own path, even if that meant moving to the other side of the Atlantic. “My mum used to do my make-up when I was little. Over time, I learned to create my own looks, and I’m still learning. My mum was worried about me going overseas, but knew it would help me find my way.” With dreams of travelling and performing, she set her sights on Portugal, known for its safety and positive attitudes. And seven years ago, she landed on these shores, ready to bring a touch of Brazilian extravagance to the Algarve.
Despite her family’s fears, Lu proved that dreams can cross oceans. After working as a dancer in hotel entertainment, she realised she needed a stage that matched her ambition. She uploaded videos of her performances in Brazil online, which caught the attention of Felipe, the owner of the nightclub Loft in Portimão. With a full Brazilian-themed night in the works, Lu was exactly what they needed. She soon became the resident dancer every Friday and Saturday night, dazzling crowds with her ever-changing costumes, fierce choreography and infectious energy, both on stage and among the revellers. It is a job she immensely enjoys all these years later.
Alongside performing, Lu teaches private classes, continuing the dream she began as a child. When asked about her most memorable moments, two stand out. The first was in Brazil, when she won first place in an international dance competition for her choreography. “I was so proud of myself, it was a huge achievement,”she said. The second was just last year, when she and a friend created a joint routine inspired by Brazilian and African dance. After four months of training, they won second place.
With Pride month in full swing, the month of solidarity means a lot to Lu. “Pride is about being proud of who I am. It’s a fight we’ve always had, and this year I want to raise awareness of trans issues and the ongoing fight for equality.”
Lu’s journey from Brazil’s fourth-largest city to the much smaller coastal city of Portimão is a story of strength, determination and freedom. She has broken barriers with every step, sharing her love of dance and bringing a vibrant touch of Brazilian energy to the Algarve with true pride, and, of course, style!
Instagram: @lu.angel_santana
