Armando Duarte is a professor, contemporary choreographer, and researcher of Brazilian popular culture with an MFA from NYU/Tisch School of the Arts and a BS in physical education from the University of São Paulo, Brazil. He has received various awards throughout his career, including the Best Choreographer Award from the São Paulo Association of Art Critics in Brazil, and has choreographed for companies in the United States, Brazil, and other countries. His academic research involves an in-depth investigation into Samba and Carnival, from which he created courses that offer students theoretical and movement-practice experiences on this popular culture. He has presented lectures on the subject at several universities and conferences in the United and Brazil. He is a two-time winner of the Iowa Old Gold Summer Fellowship; and has received numerous grants from the UI Support Program for Arts and Humanities, the Arts and Humanities Initiative Program, and the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies Interdisciplinary Research Grants. Professor Duarte is honored with the opportunity to contribute to Dance Gala, and to collaborate with such a prolific group of artists. He wants to continue sharing his wisdom, artistic vision, knowledge, and experience with people of all ages.