Rafael Belinha

Jury about the nomination

''Humour in dance is exceptional and complex. It demands a lot from dancers to achieve the desired effect without becoming predictable or corny. With his timing, expression and bravura, Rafael Belinha steals the show in this herd. Fast, tight, playful, explosive and light-footed, he transforms from the moment his head curiously rises into his adventurous animal character and takes his audience into the complex world of the goat herd. In this way, he makes us think about the human world. A remarkably complete young dancer who impresses in all elements of the dance profession."

About Rafael Belinha

Rafael Belinha (2006) is a 19-year-old Portuguese dancer who always knew he was born to be an athlete. It was dancing that made him feel more alive and human than ever before, so he promised himself he would never let go of that feeling. 

In the 2024/2025 season, he completed his dance training as a Young Talent at Scapino Ballet Rotterdam. In 2021, Rafael was admitted to the renowned Ginasiano Escola de Dança in Porto, where he further specialised in classical, modern and contemporary dance techniques.

During his training, he danced with Kale Companhia de Dança and Nome Próprio, where he collaborated on Tumulte, a new creation by Christine Hassid. He was also part of a project for young dancers that brought Paul Lightfoot & Sol Léon's piece Sad Case back to life, under the guidance of Menghan Lou and Sol Léon.

During his final-year internship at Scapino, Belinha danced in Anima Obscura by artistic director Nanine Linning and was involved in the creation of the dance piece GOATS by choreographers Sarah Baltzinger and Isaiah Wilson.

Fotography: Bryndis Brynjolfsdottir