Brazilian dancer Vanessa Isaac transformed her passion for samba and Afro-Brazilian rhythms into a successful dance fitness movement in California. Blending culture, cardio and joy, her “Hip Brazilian Workout” brought Brazilian energy to U.S. stages and studios. Discover how dance became her medicine — and her mission.
By Lindenberg Junior
Dance became Vanessa’s bridge between mind and body.
Brazilian Vanessa Isaac, a native of Anápolis, Goiás, entered college at age 17 to study journalism. During that time, she also began engaging with dramatic arts. It was then that she started taking dance classes to help maintain balance in her life.
For the first time, she made the connection between mind and body, intent and action. For Vanessa, it is no surprise that physical exercise has been proven to be a natural medicine — helping to relieve stress, fight depression, and keep the body in shape.
She became fascinated with multiple dance styles, including Brazilian popular dances, Hip-Hop, West African, Afro-Brazilian, Salsa and Modern.
A Bold Move to California
At 21, fresh out of college, Vanessa considered moving to New York or London. Instead, following the advice of a neighbor who had once lived in Santa Barbara, she chose California’s Riviera — and found a welcoming and supportive home.
Within a few months, she met bassist Randy Tico, a pillar of the music scene since the 1970s. He became her partner in art — and in marriage.
Vanessa was hired as a dance fitness instructor at a health club and quickly received enthusiastic feedback for her innovative dance-based fitness approach.
Bringing Brazilian Culture to the U.S.
Feeling both the opportunity and responsibility to introduce Brazilian culture to her new community, Vanessa began teaching dance classes in several studios. She also became involved in theater productions at Santa Barbara City College and the Ensemble Theatre Company.
Years later, she and her husband developed the project known as “Hip Brazil.”
Together, they formed Hip Enterprises, supporting:
Hip Brazil Production Company
Hip Brazil Dance Company
Hip Brazil Band
The band brought world-class musicians to recognized clubs in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Vanessa and Randy entered pre-production for her first album and planned a tour for 2007/08.
Hip Brazil blended culture, cardio and community.
From Theaters to the Streets
The Dance Company brought Vanessa and her troupe to center stage at the famous Lobero Theatre and Victoria Hall, as well as to the vibrant streets of Santa Barbara’s traditional Summer Solstice Celebration.
In 2003, Hip Brazil released the “Hip Brazilian Workout” video — combining energetic percussive steps with sensual samba moves. It quickly became a worldwide hit.
They later released:
Samba Party Workout 1 (Brazilian Rhythm Celebration)
Samba Party Workout 2 (Brazilian “Carnaval” Grooves)
These productions invited audiences to experience cardio workouts infused with authentic Brazilian carnival spirit.
Katia Moraes praised the first production, calling it:
“A jewel in the dance instruction market in the U.S… a professional workout presentation that also offers a cultural overview.”
Dance Fitness as a Holistic Lifestyle
Vanessa often asked her students why they stayed committed to Brazilian dance.
“Almost everyone would answer without hesitation: because it’s fun, it makes me happy and because it works on many levels!”
She explains:
“I tend not to separate fitness, health and art. That’s what dance fitness is about for me. You can get your workout and learn something new.”
For Vanessa, dance fitness attracts people who love life and embrace a holistic approach. As a singer, dancer and choreographer, she hopes students abandon themselves to the music and move freely, with joy and authenticity.
For her, dancing is about giving and receiving joy. If you get up and move your body to your own rhythm, you’ll get a great workout — and have fun at the same time. Website: www.vanessaisaac.com
Moving to your own rhythm is the ultimate holistic workout.
* This article was originally written and published in 2009.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Vanessa Isaac?
Vanessa Isaac is a Brazilian dancer, singer and choreographer from Anápolis, Goiás, who built a successful dance fitness career in California.
2. What is Hip Brazil?
Hip Brazil is a cultural and fitness project created by Vanessa Isaac and Randy Tico, combining Brazilian dance, music and performance.
3. What is the Hip Brazilian Workout?
It is a dance fitness program that blends samba, percussive rhythms and cardio movements, designed to deliver both cultural experience and physical conditioning.
4. Why is dance considered “fun medicine”?
Dance combines physical exercise with emotional expression, which can help reduce stress, boost mood and improve overall well-being.
5. Is Brazilian dance fitness popular in the U.S.?
Yes. Programs like Hip Brazil and Samba Party Workout helped introduce Brazilian-inspired dance fitness to American audiences seeking energetic, culturally rich workouts.
