It was my first Samba lesson and Deise made me feel so comfortable. I learned so much about the moves and history of Samba. I’m so inspired and excited to learn more!

Deise is a fabulously humble, joyful, and authenticity spirited teacher. She has a gift for making complicated, nuanced things seem simple, exudes a master’s contagious love for the disciplines she teaches, and credits her own mentors (with their deep wells of cultural and human wisdom) in the process. A person with her resume ought not to be so approachable and easygoing! Try a class, book her for an event and find out for yourself.

Deise is the best coach in Seattle. The most beautiful person inside out. She's not an ordinary coach, I can guarantee! Highly recommend!

6 or more stars to Deise! She is an amazing instructor, so knowledgeable about Brazilian culture and dance! It is a pleasure to take classes with her. She makes all students feel at ease in her classes, you can be a beginner, intermediate or advanced, you will be able to follow her. She is warm, professional, beautiful, caring, keep on smiling Deise!

Deise teaches forró as more than just a dance -it’s a way to deepen connections in my community and enrich the relationships in my life. Her guidance goes beyond technique, showing how movement becomes a heartbeat, carrying joy and presence into every moment. Each lesson leaves me more grounded, more alive, and more in tune with the rhythm of life. Her gift of dance is a gift to all of us that keeps giving outside the studio walls.

Deise is an excellent teacher, I have greatly enjoyed her samba/afro-brazilian classes (mostly samba). She has such a positive energy and is a warm and inviting person! I would highly recommend her.

I've had the pleasure to work with Deise at various events ranging from annual carnaval shows, festa junina, workshows at a community college, and private events. Because Deise understands the story behind the dance and immerses herself in the character, she expresses a range of emotions through her movements, truly captivating the audience with the power of storytelling. It's beautiful to watch her and the audience to connect on a deeper level. The same happens for the musicians on the bandstand and as a vocalist myself, I can attest to that.

She's not only an incredible, creative and expressive dancer, she's also an excellent dance instructor who approaches her lessons in an open and inclusive manner. She makes everybody feel great about moving their bodies, helping them find their own way of expressing their emotions thru dancing.

I'm so glad Deise moved to Seattle. She's a true asset to the Brazilian culture and dance community in Seattle. Hire her. Take lessons from her. Get to know her!

Deise’s classes are more than just dance classes. They are spaces where you learn and explore who you are, your identity, and self-expression. These aren’t typical structured class, they are space for you to explore what feels good for you in that moment in time. It’s a place of exploration, of healing, and of building a beautiful and supportive community. She does an extraordinary job at bringing people together in unity and throughout, we are able to express ourselves without boundaries or restrictions. I couldn’t recommend her or her classes enough. We love you, deise.

I've taken dance classes from many instructors over the years, and Deise Costa stands out as a shining star! Deise weaves together a rich mixture of a welcoming atmosphere, precise (yet flexible) instruction, and deep cultural background (so important when studying dance from another culture - Brazil), while also encouraging us all to take risks and dance with soul and fire! She strikes an amazing balance with all these elements and delivers them naturally, with real joy and humor.

Deise also creates space for feedback, inviting us to sit in a circle and share our feelings after class—something I've never experienced with a dance instructor before. She really cares about a genuine connection with her students and keeps the energy flowing both ways.

I strongly recommend learning dance with Deise, via class, workshop, or private lessons!