Monica Proenca
Monica was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She began her dance training at an early age and went on to graduate from the San Francisco School of the Arts in the United States.
As a professional dancer Monica has worked in international dance companies and had the pleasure of working in many independent productions with world class choreographers, both Classical and Contemporary.
She is an accomplished choreographer and teacher that has taught in and choreographed in renowned institutions such as San Francisco, USA for Lines Contemporary Ballet Program, for Germany’s – Nordhousen Ballet Company, Arts Umbrella Youth Company, Kayzer Ballet – Portugal and in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Japan, Germany all over Brazil and Canada withing her eighteen years of teaching experience.
Her choreography has been awarded in Brazil, USA, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland , Austria, France, Spain, Japan, Czech Republic, Australia and Korea.
In 2009, Monica co-founded an International post secondary contemporary dance training and performance company for aspiring professional dancers Lamondance.
Monica was commissioned to choreograph pieces for the opening gala of the 60th Anniversary of the Beijing Dance Academy in China (Goh Ballet Youth Company) and a special piece to be presented at the opening of Tanzart Festival in Nordhausen, Germany.
She was a nominee for the 4th Annual Inspirational Latin American Awards for Arts and Culture in Vancouver.
Monica was a guest choreographer for the closing gala of Brasilia’s acclaimed International Dance Seminar for 4 years partnering with conductor Claudio Cohen with pieces from Tchaikovsky, Claudio Santoro, Villa Lobos and Piazzola.
In film Ms Proenca produced “Strings for 2” a short dance film for Bravofact Canada. She was the choreographer for “Dance First” a short film produced by Dunbar Underground Productions and Center Stage On Pointe, produced by Sony Pictures for Life network and Directed by Director X.
She has been recognized also in the dance competitions stages receiving best choreographer awards in competitions such as: Global Dance Challenge 2017, World Ballet Art Competition 2017 and 2018. And choreographer and winner of the YAGP Toronto 2018 grand prix.
Today she directs her company Contemporary Division attached with a youth educational programme in contemporary dance that has the same name.
Monica currently calls Vancouver, Canada her home where she continues to choreograph, produce, dance, teach, coach and inspire others with passion, strength and elegant technique combined with her own Brazilian flair.
