About Us
Learn about the history, values and people behind the Aplausos International Dance Festival.
Our History
The story began in 2017 with the Aplausos International Dance Festival, conceived by Adriana Hage, passionate about Jazz, who saw in the creation of the event a way to keep the flame of art alive and offer fair and motivating evaluations for the new generation. Her daughter, Thalita Hage, a classical and contemporary dancer, took on the Artistic Direction, bringing the technical rigor and network of international connections that define our DNA.
Over 18 completed editions, more than 500 schools, companies and dance groups have taken our stage, with over 3,200 performances evaluated by highly qualified jury panels and over 6,000 artists experiencing the Aplausos stage.
In 2025, the project took a decisive step with the creation of Instituto Aplausos Arte e Cultura, the parent brand. The Festival's home is Teatro Ítalo Brasileiro, located in Santo Amaro — one of São Paulo's best-equipped theatres.
Our Journey
2017
2017 — Foundation & International Partnerships
The Aplausos International Dance Festival is born. The 1st edition marks the unwavering commitment to absolute organization and fair technical evaluation. International scholarships with Barcelona Dance Center (Spain) and Maple Leaf Russian Ballet (Canada) consolidate the festival as a destination platform for Brazilian dancers.
2019
2019 — Expansion and Recognition
6th edition with new opportunities: Festival Norte Dança (Portugal), Disney Performing Arts and partnership with the largest international competition in Barcelona.
2022
2022 — Recovery and Growth
Return of in-person events with two highly successful editions. Aplausos reaffirms its resilience and strengthens its network of partners.
2023
2023 — Historic 10th Edition
Historic milestone celebrated with the 10th edition of the festival. Over 500 schools and 6,000 dancers have taken the Aplausos stage.
2025
2025 — Instituto Aplausos Arte e Cultura
Creation of Instituto Aplausos Arte e Cultura, the parent brand housing the International Festival, Aplausos Mais Perto de Você, the Aplausos Workshop and the Aplausos Collection.
2026
2026 — Digital Modernization
Launch of the proprietary digital platform: complete system for registrations, tickets, e-commerce and festival panel.
Our Values
Organization
Absolute order. Our foundation and greatest form of respect, guided by schedule rigor and operational efficiency.
Respect
Human dignity. We prioritize hospitality and attentive posture in every interaction, from pre- to post-event.
Real Opportunities
Destination platform. We are the concrete bridge to professionalization, with national and international connections.
Excellence
Gold standard in infrastructure, technology and technical curation. Every detail reflects the highest level of art.
Direction
Adriana Hage
General Director
Founder and creator of the Aplausos International Dance Festival. Passionate about Jazz, she created the event as a way to keep the flame of art alive and offer fair evaluations for the new generation.
Thalita Hage
Artistic Director
Classical and contemporary dancer, she brings the technical rigor and network of international connections that define the Aplausos DNA. Responsible for artistic curation and bridging to the global market.
Our Mission
"To transform the passion for dance into solid careers, serving as the definitive bridge to professionalization through management guided by organization and technical rigor. We seek to democratize access to excellence and the international market, honoring the dignity of the artist and delivering real opportunities that transcend the stage."
Our Vision
"To consolidate Instituto Aplausos as a multifaceted ecosystem of national and international reference, transcending the Festival format to establish itself as a complete institution for cultural promotion. We aspire for the "Aplausos Quality Seal" to be globally recognized as the definitive endorsement of prestige, solidity and technical excellence."