BIOGRAPHY
Adriana Fernandes was born and raised in Brazil, where she graduated in Classical Ballet and Physical Education with a concentration in dance.
Always devoted to the scientific study of Classical Ballet, Adriana conducted research in 2002 about the “Influence of the turn out (en dehors) in young Ballet Dancers”, being one of the first scientific data about en dehors in Brazil.
Adriana performed various original ballets and repertoire including: The Nutcracker, La Bayadere, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, La Esmeralda, Diana and Acteon, Paquita, Le Corsaire, and Raymonda. She also choreographed countless original ballets and awarded routines.
With over 24 years of teaching experience, and certifications under the prestigious American Ballet Theater ABT® and Autism Movement Therapy®, Adriana developed her own teaching method focusing on the dancer’s body limits, and most importantly, safety.
She is known for making the process fun, interesting, and enjoyable for students of all ages, experiences, and backgrounds.
"Working privately gives me the opportunity to get to know the student's specific goals, strengths, and limitations, in order to customize the perfect class."
- Adriana Fernandes
LIFE TIME DREAM
Adriana had been dreaming about working with special needs individuals since the age of 10, after exchanging smiles with a little girl with Down syndrome seating in a stroller at a clothing store.
Fast forward 17 years, Adriana started volunteering for a dance program catered to individuals with Down syndrome in West Los Angeles, where she was able to learn, teach, and develop her own dance program for kids with disabilities, fulfilling her childhood dream of sharing her passion for dance with individuals with "different abilities", as she likes to call.
With over 8 years of experience in the special needs field, Adriana feels extremely blessed to witness her students consistently improving physically and emotionally, but most importantly, building their confidence and self-esteem, which brings her an indescribable feeling of joy and gratitude.
"What matters is not how difficult the movement is...
It's how much of yourself you put into it to make it happen."
-Adriana Fernandes-