Daniel Nery dos Santos Filho and Aileen Panke are co-creators of Bahia In Motion, an organization offering Brazilian dance and Capoeira to adults and youth, live group performances, and tours to Bahia, Brazil. Their story began in Salvador, Brazil where they met in 2004 while studying dance. They shared a dream of opening a studio which offered a place to build community and promote wellness. In 2008 they married and moved to Seattle, WA. They have worked diligently over the past 8 years to create Bahia In Motion and Grupo de Capoeira Moringa de Barro. Bahia In Motion has partnered with several Seattle-based schools and organizations including Pacific Northwest Ballet, Spectrum Dance Theater and Cornish College of the Arts. In June 2012, they opened Balance Studio in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle where they now hold their weekly Capoeira and Afro-Brazilian dance classes.

Alongside classes and lessons, Bahia in Motion has performed for both public and private events throughout the Seattle area. Performances can range from solo dances to 10+ dancers, including either recorded or live musicians. Dances express the great diversity of Brazilian dance culture, including Afro-Bahian Samba reggae, Capoeira, Samba de Roda, Rio Samba, and more. 

Daniel and Aileen’s work is rooted in their firm belief of the importance of a balanced body, mind and spirit and the integral role the arts play in nurturing this balance. They are committed to building community and enriching the lives of individuals across the lifespan.