Rafael Trajano

Born and raised in Brazil, Rafael’s first experience with the circus and performing arts was joining the National Circus School. He quickly fell in love with all aerial skills, quickly coming to realise that this was his life choice.

Growing up surrounded by comic books, Rafael deepened his fascination with the circus – he noticed a lot of similarities between his passions and his favourite superheroes and felt inspired by their unusual skills, especially aerial skills.

Rafael spent several years performing on cruise ships, nightclubs, and other venues around the globe. He also developed his skills in a traditional family circus troupe.

Years later, after experiencing a severe injury, Rafael found his new passion – pole dance. It quickly made its way to his roster of favourite activities. Why? Rafael says the reason is simple: aerial arts and pole fitness have a lot in common – both require you to work on your confidence, give you an achievable goal every time you train, both are progressive and don’t get you frustrated. You never leave pole or aerial training without an achievement. Even if it’s a small one, it contributes to your greater goal. Aerial and pole training also played a crucial role in Rafael’s personal life and he admits it helped his mental health more than once.

Teaching at London Dance Academy

Rafael believes that one of the most important things about teaching is always inspiring students to find and use things that make them unique. “There’s not a right way of doing things when it comes to performing. I will help you to find your way, the safest way possible”. He always precisely explains and presents the technique, then works with students on adding their personal style to the technically perfected tricks. Rafael says he loves helping people discover making the movement happen in their own way. “Don’t try to do exactly what someone else does. No one else can do it your way, so be proud of it”.