Rogério A. da Costa (Germany)'s story

I received my education as a qualified ballet dancer at Eugenia Feodorova’s ballet school in Rio de Janeiro. I also had jazz lessons with Carlota Portela and Marli Tavares as well as afro-jazz with Valter Ribeiro. In Rio de Janeiro, I mostly worked as a revue and musical dancer at large venues such as the Scala Rio, Vargas Musical, Ballet do Terceiro Mundo and the TV Globo. I completed two European tours as a revue dancer with “Brasiliana” and “Brasil Tropical”.
In 1990, I joined the “Las Vegas Show” at the Fantasialand in Cologne, danced at the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus and arrived at the Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin in 1992 until I finally switched to the MDR Deutsches Fernsehballet after a several years. I worked at the Fernsehballett for approximately ten years. I also created choreographies on occasion; for example, I was a choreographer for the Friedrichstadt-Palast’s Christmas revue “Jingle Bells” in 2003.
At the end of 2004, I sought my fortune in the so-called “Ich-AG”; I was convinced that I would be able to make a living as a freelance dancer and choreographer with plenty of career experience. The period up to 2011 was one that was filled with many disappointments and deprivations. I became depressed. I felt helpless and at a dead end.
By chance I heard about Stiftung TANZ. The psychologist Ms. Scharpff helped me in numerous meetings to recognize career alternatives, among other things. Her professional work with me was extremely insightful and helpful. I then decided to complete a basic nursing course in order to be able to work in home care; because of my financial situation, Stiftung TANZ supported this with a grant.
I completed the four-month course with a “very good” grade. The course included a one-month internship at a mobile nursing service that then kept me on and gave me a permanent contract. I now have social security with my 20-hour week. I also have time for my work as a dancer and choreographer and can, as need be, expand my work as a nurse. Helping those in need of assistance, as a rule at home, is not always easy; but it gives me the feeling that I am needed and can do something positive. These people’s gratitude is fulfilling. I owe my choice for this career – a correct choice at that – to the Stiftung TANZ; I am very grateful to its employees!
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