Carla Monteiro

Carla discovered her passion for social dance in 2008 when she attended her first Latin rhythm night in Porto. That single evening sparked a decade-and-a-half journey into community event curation — one that's shaped how she approaches building authentic dance spaces across Portugal.

After completing her degree in Event Management from the Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias in Lisbon in 2010, she worked with cultural organizations before establishing herself as an independent event coordinator in 2012. But her real breakthrough came in 2015. That's when she pioneered the first beachside dance social in Nazaré — an event that now attracts over 200 participants monthly and has become a model replicated in other coastal towns.

What drives Carla's work is simple: she believes dance should be accessible, judgment-free, and deeply connected to Portugal's rich cultural heritage. Her approach centers on removing barriers to participation. She's bridged traditional Portuguese music with contemporary Latin rhythms in ways that regional tourism boards and community centers have recognized. More importantly, the people who show up — the over-45 community looking for genuine social connection — keep coming back.

At Lrintex Lda, she now curates comprehensive guides and strategies for weekend dance meetups. She's passionate about helping mature adults discover movement-based social connections. She's driven by the belief that music and movement are powerful tools for social connection, particularly for those navigating life's transitions and seeking authentic community.