Native of Brazil, Talissa Bavaresco (she/her) is a NY/DC based Dancer, Choreographer & Instructor with expertise in Ballet, Jazz, and Modern Techniques, as well as Contemporary, Theater and Commercial/Industry styles.

She was the first Brazilian to graduate from Joffrey Ballet School’s Jazz & Contemporary Program on a four years merit-scholarship, and furthered her studies for one year at the Scholarship-Apprentice Program at Jennifer Muller/The Works.

Talissa has performed with dance companies such as The Joffrey Ensemble, Keigwin+Company, Jennifer Muller/The Works, Humans Collective, Jazz Ain’t Dead, TunanuT, KR3T's; and in independent works by Gabrielle Lamb, Patrick O’Brien, Manuel Vignoulle, Mark Caserta and more.

Commercially, Talissa has performed live with Grammy award winner artist Kimbra at the Park Armory Gala-17’, and was featured in Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness’ ‘So Close’ and Ivan Modoni/Oriion’s ‘Indigo’ music videos. She performed at PANORAMA Music Festival-2017/2018 with The Windmill Factory and at Six Flags Great Adventure Fright Fest with the show ‘Unleashed’. Talissa has worked with JoiLynn Moves on concept videos and FlashMobs in partnership with Flash Mob America.

Talissa Bavaresco is the Artistic Director of her company ‘BAVA Dance’ (Bold Alluring Virtuous Artists), and her choreographic works have been presented at the Apollo Theater, Bryant Park Contemporary Dance Festival, DUMBO Dance Festival, The New York Jazz Choreography Festival, Dixon Place, RAWartists, WAXworks, HATCH Presenting Series, Holi Hai Festival NYC, Uptown Rising and National Choreography Month.

Ms. Talissa is a proficient dance instructor for ages 6 through adults, from absolute beginners to advanced levels, with experience teaching neurotypical and neurodivergent dancers, in styles such as Contemporary & Lyrical, Jazz & Theater, Hip Hop & Heels, Ballet, Conditioning, and more.

In addition to her extensive dance portfolio, Talissa is an experienced Performing Arts Administrator, having worked in Programming, Curriculum Development, Communications and Marketing for The José Limón Dance Foundation, The Cultural Solidarity Fund, LEIMAY Foundation, Jennifer Muller/The Works, The Joffrey Ballet School, The School of Nimbus Dance Works, and Unity Dance & Movement. She also does independent contract work in Project Managing and Coordinating for weddings, fundraisers, luncheons and more.

Photos by Matthew Alonso