Iris is originally from Angola. Trained at "The London Studio Centre" and with the late William Louther, Iris has worked with "Badejo Arts", "Kokuma Dance Company" and Sheron Wray. Iris has worked in the commercial sector also with artists such as Jay Z, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Robin Williams, Cher, Henrique Iglesias, Roll Deep and Tiggs Da Author. She trained in Classical/Jazz/Contemporary & Salsa Dance.She also trained in the style of Horton and Graham, Mat Mattox and Afro-Cuban Dance, traveling to Cuba for short periods to study with Conjunto Folclorico and ballet Cutumba.
She was 2x UK Salsa champion and In 2006, Iris, successfully self funded, created and Directed "El Barrio-the real salsa musical" for a three night performance at Jackson's Lane theatre. She was also part of ADAD's Open Stage program at Pavillion Dance Bournemouth and toured the International Afro Latin festival circuit for over10 years with "La Rumba soy yo" "Muxima" and "Quitandeira" solo work.
In the last twelve years, Iris has programmed and organised BATUKE International Festival in London and created her own dance instructors team promoting awareness of Afro - Luso culture. In 2017 she travelled to Angola on a research trip as part of the Lisa Ullman travelling fund, culminating in a one hour documentary previously shown at BATUKE festival. She has won the 2107-2018 One Dance UK - DAD Trailblazer starter award which she is currently developing choreography for performance.
Her love for dances of the african diaspora have taken her on a journey of research and development where she has managed to attract new audiences and support a different artistic voice.
https://www.irisdebrito.net