It all started in the roda
O Balanço began as a group of friends and artists training Capoeira together in Brooklyn, New York. Together we founded an organization dedicated to expanding access to the joy and liberation that movement and art have to offer.
Pião Silveira
Founder and Executive Director
Board of Directors
Pião Silveira
Pião Silveira is a professional martial artist with more than 30 years experience in the discipline of Capoeira. Born in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, he began touring internationally as a Capoeira performer at the age of 18, and eventually settled in the United States. Pião is a full-time teacher at an Elementary School, in addition to teaching Capoeira classes to the local community through his group Capoeira Luanda Brooklyn. He has also appeared in numerous TV Programs and AD Campaigns for brands like Macy's and Nike, has appeared on ABC's Good Morning America, and toured to countless dance, martial arts and folk festivals nationwide, including Central Park's Summer Stage, and the annual Folk Festival of Bangor, Maine. In addition to his love for Capoeira, he loves to surf, sing, dance, and paint.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Gil Alves
Gil Alves is an Artistic / Creative Director born in Salvador, Bahia | Brazil, with a degree in Audiovisual Production and currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Afro-Brazilian History. He has led major projects such as Concha Negra Project, Afro Fashion Day, the YouTube Black Voices Awards, the Liberatum Festival featuring Viola Davis and Angela Bassett, Afropunk Brasil, and the iconic Club Renaissance Salvador with Beyonce.
In 2025, he was invited by Globo TV to serve as Artistic and Program Director for the SIM Awards for Racial Equality. He is also an Associate Producer on the film The Blue Mauritius by D Street Media Group (NY), currently in pre-production. Recently, he expanded his work to New York, launching the dance film “There Is No Memory Without Respect for History”, Experimental Doc “I Feel Alive” and the video art piece “Gratitude my father, Obaluaê!” awarded in festivals across the U.S., Europe, and Nigeria.
He also served as Creative Director for four consecutive editions of the International Capoeira Festival “Mandinga em Brooklyn”, reinforcing his impact in performing arts and Afro-Brazilian culture.
Board member
TREASURERFrançois Balmelle
As a dual citizen of France and the United States, I thrive in multicultural environments and value the diverse perspectives they offer. For the past 15 years, I have dedicated myself to the practice of Capoeira, a journey that has fostered a deep and enduring passion for Brazilian culture. Through my active involvement with O Balanço, I am committed to sharing this vibrant heritage and promoting its unique traditions within the United States.
SECRETARYKate Dautrich
Kate Dautrich is an integrated branding and communication designer. Her experience spans a variety of industries such as finance, health & beauty, food, hospitality, arts & culture and education. She has been involved in nearly every aspect of visual brand building, from initial strategy and positioning to identity, large-scale marketing systems and online communications.
Beyond her professional work, Kate is deeply committed to her community. She has served four years on her school's PTA, including two years as Co-President and two years as Communications Secretary. Kate is excited to join the O Balanço Board, where she looks forward to bringing her design and leadership expertise to amplify their vibrant mission of sharing Brazilian culture with Brooklyn and beyond.