About Vanessa Isaac

About | Brazilian Dance Classes | News and Events

Vanessa Isaac is the co-producer and co-director of Hip Brazil, a music and dance performance group, as well as a dance instructor, dancer, actress and singer. She first studied dance with the renowned Quasar Company in Brazil and went on to study many styles of dance including brazilian popular dances, hip hop, west african , afro-brazilian, capoeira. Hip Brazil has performed for sold out venues and have been creating a loyal following in these first years of existence.

Vanessa choreographed and danced for the '98 Santa Barbara International Jazz Festival, for the music of Paris Psaros: "Raoni, Um Tango a Brasiliera" performed at UCSB's Lotte Lehmann Hall, for the '97 and '99 Santa Barbara Choreographers Forum among others. In 2000 she co-directed and co-produced the show "From Africa To The Americas" with Andriana Mitchell. She teaches dance classes in Santa Barbara and has been a guest teacher at USC in Los Angeles. In 2000 she received a grant by the Santa Barbara Arts Commission to teach dance to underserved schoolchildren. Her classes are a reflection of her personality, background and philosophy of life. Based in Brazilian and African dances, she believes in creating community with art, inspiring people of all ages to share their journey with each other. Her classes are one of the most (if not the most) popular classes in the city. In 2000 the Santa Barbara Independent stated:

"Everywhere that I turn lately, I bump into another of Isaac's dedicated students: at parties, at concerts even in the hall's of the Indy... Isaac's success as a teacher has a lot to do with her warmth, charm and knack for making people fell at ease, but it is her skill and knowledge of the culture that truly brings her students an authentic experience"

Photo by Cil de Kolda	Photo by Leslie Holtzman

In December of 2001 Santa Barbara Magazine chose Vanessa as one of the most intriguing people worth getting to know for her contribution to the cultural life of the city.

Vanessa and her husband Randy Tico have formed the production company Hip Brazil (the same name as their performance group). They produced the Brazilian Dance Workout Video, with the objective of sharing the beauty and energy of Brazilian culture. The video has been receiving great reviews by Magazines and fans around the globe.

She began her career as an actress in the Brazilian theater productions ''A Vida Como Ela E'' and ''Obvio Ululante''. During this time, she studied Dramatic Art at the Center Cultural Martin Cerere. She has appeared in commercials and in documentaries. She also has a degree in journalism. In Santa Barbara she has worked with The City College Theater Group and The Ensemble Theater Company. Now she is looking forward to creating more dances, music, acting, and sharing her joy with the world!