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Nicolea Pettis has literally danced her way into samba royalty by winning the coveted titles of Samba Queen USA, USA Samba Princess, USA Samba Diva, and in 2020 Nicolea was crowned Female Malandro Champion by the International Samba Congress. She competed in the Brasil Samba Congress World Champion Passista Competition, were she has been ranked as one of the top 12 female Samba Dancers in the World in 2018.

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Nicolea trained in ballet, hip hop, African, and contemporary dance styles as a child, but she fell in love with Samba dancing and has never looked back. She has paraded in several Carnavals in Rio de Janerio, Brasil and she has even had the honor of parading as Passista for two noted samba schools:

 

• Group Ala Estação Primeira de Mangueira

• Passista with GRES União da Ilha do Governador

• Passista with G.R.E.S.E. Império da Tijuca

• Passista with Unidos De Bangu

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Nicolea has been referred to as one of the most versatile Sambistas of her time. Not only does she dance as a traditional passista, she also dances the Malandro style of Samba (male styling). Nicolea is also a noted Actor and Singer and loves to combine all her skills in her performances. 

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Nicolea has appeared in several Theater and musical productions, such as

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• Sassy in "I'll be home for Christmas Dir: Don B. Welch (2019)

• Lisa in "A Change is Gonna Come" Dir: Don B. Welch (2019)

• Ramona in "A Lady in Waiting" Dir: Don B. Welch (2018)

• Princess in "My Brothers Keeper" Dir: by Don B. Welch (2018)

• April in "Life Stories: Scared Straight" Dir: by Don B. Welch

• and Desta (lead) in “Return the Musical” directed and choreographed by the late great Mr. Donald Mckayle.

 

Her vocal recording credits include the SBC Gospel Choir’s album, “Rest in Me” (soprano).

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Nicolea has also danced for talented artists from Sergio Mendes to rapper B.O,B.  and Venus Williams along with the USA Summer Olympic Team  of 2016. As you can see, Nicolea loves to perform and share the joy of the arts. She accredits her success to God, Faith, Friends and Family.

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