Davina Kiyomi, a young Malagasy woman, has achieved her dream of becoming a renowned samba dancer. Growing up, she was passionate about dance and created a group in high school, where she enjoyed interacting with the public. She pursued higher education in commerce and international affairs while performing in dance clips and events. Her diverse background also includes musical training as an oboist, sports training in tennis, and experience as a pom-pom girl and majorette.

In 2010, Davina's mother passed away on the day of the Paris Tropical Carnival. This event inspired her to create her own company, Les Danseuses d'Or, which features various dance styles, including samba. Her school, Davina Samba, was established soon after and has been voted the best samba school in Paris for four consecutive years. Samba, a dance form born in Brazil in the early 20th century, has its roots in African traditions from the slavery era.

Over the past decade, Davina's school has trained over 1,500 dancers. In addition to samba, she also teaches traditional Brazilian percussion, known as batucada. Her passion for dance has taken her almost around the world, with stages in France, Italy, England, Germany, Poland, Romania, and the Philippines. She has also given workshops in Peru, Japan, the United States, Cameroon, and Benin.

Davina's accomplishments include performing at the Rio Carnival, where she became a muse for two schools and a passista solo, or the best dancer of a samba school. Her shows require meticulous organization, with tasks such as paperwork, budgeting, team composition, and logistics. Despite the challenges, Davina enjoys her work, stating that when you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work.

Davina has many upcoming projects, including launching samba classes for children and creating her own events featuring Brazilian artists in Paris. She also plans to take her musicians to the Rio Carnival. Each October, Davina supports the cause against breast cancer, wearing pink and collecting donations for research.

Davina's achievements demonstrate her dedication and passion for dance. Her school and company have become well-established in Paris, and her influence extends globally. Her love for samba and her cultural background have enabled her to share her talents with a wide audience.

As Davina continues to pursue her dreams, she remains committed to her roots and her community. Her story serves as an inspiration to young Malagasy women and aspiring dancers. With her success, Davina Kiyomi has become a prominent figure in the world of samba.

Key points

  • Davina Kiyomi has trained over 1,500 dancers and has performed at various international events, including the Rio Carnival.
  • Her school, Davina Samba, has been voted the best samba school in Paris for four consecutive years.
  • Davina supports the cause against breast cancer every October, wearing pink and collecting donations for research.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.