Meet Lucas Castro

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lucas Castro. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Lucas , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Growing up in Brazil, I discovered my passion for dance through Disney Movies, where the magic of movement first captivated me. But pursuing that passion wasn’t easy. In my culture, there’s a stigma around boys doing ballet, and when I expressed my dream of dancing, I faced lots of bullying and criticism. It was heartbreaking to hear hurtful words from people who were so close to me and didn’t understand why this art form meant so much to me.

At first, I kept my dreams a secret. I’d sneak into dance classes, telling no one, not even my parents, about what I was doing. Initially, I gravitated towards Jazz dance because they felt more accepted and familiar. But during my training, ballet found its way into my life. Its precision, discipline, and transformative power pulled me in completely.

By the time I was a teenager, I knew I had to fully commit, even if it meant stepping into uncharted territory. I joined the professional program at Centro de Dança Rio, training in every style I could, pushing myself to learn and improve. Every day, I told myself that this art form was bigger than the challenges I faced.

In November 2018, I made the hardest decision of my life: to leave my home country and immigrate to the United States alone. Without family or financial support, I relied on sheer determination and the belief that ballet could take me places I’d never imagined. It was a leap of faith, but it taught me resilience like nothing else could. I’ve come to the country with only $600 to spend a whole year and I made it!

Now, as I reflect on this journey, I see how the challenges shaped me. The criticism made me stronger, the sacrifices made me grateful, and the art of dance gave me a voice that no one could silence. These experiences didn’t just teach me to dance—they taught me to persevere, adapt, and dream boldly.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Lucas Castro, a ballet dancer, model, teacher, and artistic creator originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My journey has been one of transformation, resilience, and creative exploration, leading me to significant milestones in my career, including performing as a soloist with the prestigious Dance Theatre of Harlem in New York City and my current role as a principal dancer with Utah Metropolitan Ballet.
What I Do:
 Professionally, I balance a multifaceted artistic career:
* Ballet: My ballet career includes performing as a soloist with Dance Theatre of Harlem, where I was part of groundbreaking productions that merged classical technique with bold storytelling. This role was a pivotal step in my journey, showcasing my artistry on a global stage. Now, as a principal with Utah Metropolitan Ballet, I continue to explore leading roles in classics like The Nutcracker, Paquita, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I have also adventured myself in teaching ballet and have had quite the experience being able to teach it at the highest level for dance schools and universities around the U.S and Brazil.
* Videography and Content Creation: Outside the studio, I channel my creativity into videography and social media. I use platforms like Instagram (@lucascastro_dancer) to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of a dancer’s life, highlight the beauty of ballet, and inspire others to follow their passions.
* Modeling: Recently, I’ve ventured into the modeling world, which allows me to explore a new dimension of artistry and storytelling. It has been fun to explore the diversity of modeling for dance. I have lots of dreams about that.
What’s Special About My Work:
What I find most special about my artistic career is its ability to inspire and challenge perceptions. Performing with Dance Theatre of Harlem was not only an honor but also an opportunity to be part of a legacy that uplifts diversity and excellence in ballet. As the first ever Black Brazilian principal dancer with Utah Metropolitan Ballet, I carry forward this mission, working to create space for more inclusivity in this art form.
Upcoming Highlights:
* The Nutcracker Performances: This holiday season, I’ll be performing as a principal in The Nutcracker with Utah Metropolitan Ballet. It’s an annual tradition that brings joy to audiences and showcases the magic of ballet.
* Content Expansion: I’m also expanding my videography and social media content to engage more with teens and older adults, showing that ballet is for everyone, regardless of age or background.
* CastroBallet Launch in 2025: I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of CastroBallet, a platform designed to provide ballet instruction and scholarships to underserved communities. My vision is to use dance as a vehicle for empowerment, cultural exchange, and personal transformation.
Ultimately, my work is about creating connections—whether through a performance, a photograph, or a video. I want people to see the passion, dedication, and humanity behind every move I make, and I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams boldly.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Technical Precision in Ballet 
coming from Brazil, I was trained to value technical correctness in ballet—focusing on alignment, posture, and musicality. This foundation has been instrumental in helping me stand out as a dancer and teacher. Good technique isn’t just about how you look on stage; it’s about how you protect your body, execute movements efficiently, and communicate the story of the dance.
* Advice: Prioritize mastering the basics. Even as you tackle more complex choreography, always revisit foundational exercises to ensure you maintain precision. Musicality—dancing with intention and rhythm—is just as important as physical technique, so train yourself to hear and interpret music deeply.
2. Resilience and Adaptability 
immigrating to the United States alone at a young age taught me to navigate uncertainty with resilience. In the face of cultural differences, financial constraints, and moments of doubt, I had to adapt quickly and maintain my focus. Challenges are inevitable in any artistic or professional journey, but how you respond to them defines your success.
* Advice: Build resilience by embracing discomfort and seeking opportunities to learn from setbacks. Adaptability comes with experience, but you can cultivate it by saying “yes” to challenges that push you out of your comfort zone. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who inspire and support you.
3. Dedication to continuous growth 
in Ballet—and other forms of Dance—is a lifelong journey of refinement. Even now, I approach every class and rehearsal with a mindset of improvement, as like I was a student again. Whether I’m exploring new styles of dance, venturing into modeling, or launching CastroBallet, I’m always seeking to grow and expand my skill set.
* Advice: Stay curious and humble. Take every opportunity to learn—whether that’s through formal training, observing others, or trying something outside your comfort zone, for all the teens that think they are too late to start just know that it’s never too late to start. Growth happens when you face the edge.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was investing in my education, particularly in ensuring I could study English in Brazil. It was a tremendous financial sacrifice, but they understood the transformative power of language. Without that skill, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to move to the United States alone to pursue my dreams.

Equally impactful was the love and guidance of my American host family during my early years in the U.S. Their support was essential for my survival and understanding of American culture. I’ll never forget my host mom patiently teaching me the proper way to send a professional email—a small yet crucial skill that helped me navigate a new world. Beyond practical guidance, their love provided me with a sense of comfort and stability when I needed it most.

Reflecting on this, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for both my families. My parents’ sacrifices and my host family’s nurturing care gave me the foundation to dream boldly and step into the unknown with courage. Every accomplishment I achieve is a testament to their love and belief in me

Contact Info:

Image Credits

1 – Beau Pearson
2 – property of CastroBallet
3 – Jeremy Kyle Photography
4 – Jeremy Kyle Photography
5 – property of Dance Theatre of Harlem
6 – property of Utah Metropolitan Ballet
7 – property of Dance Theatre of Harlem
8 – property of CastroBallet
9 – Beau Pearson

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