A dance instructor from Porto is facing allegations of sexual harassment from former students, who have voiced their claims on social media.
These allegations began to emerge about a week ago across several Instagram pages, such as ‘Não Tenhas Medo’, ‘Mais Um Casting’, and through activists like Francisca de Magalhães Barros and Inês Marinho.
Numerous posts have surfaced revealing conversations where the instructor, now also a physiotherapist, uses terms like “my angel,” “diabolic angel,” and “my love,” claiming to be “completely in love.”
Some messages sent by the instructor are accompanied by photos of him shirtless and dancing videos, sending kisses, and speaking in a suggestive manner.
More messages include phrases like “I really want to hug you,” “shall we kiss?”, “I’ll send you a kiss now,” “you were very memorable,” “when will you break up with your boyfriend so I can propose?” and “I’m completely in love with you.” These messages were made public by students who preferred to remain anonymous.
As shown in screenshots shared on social media, the instructor’s messages often go unanswered, yet he persists repeatedly, despite silence from some victims.
The persistence reportedly caused “anxiety attacks” for at least one young woman. “He sends me absolutely horrifying messages that often trigger anxiety attacks,” one post reads. Another complainant states that the instructor “replies to every story” they post on social media.
A post dated five days ago recounts a young woman, then 14, who described inappropriate comments made by the instructor. “Why don’t you wear shorts to my classes? Legs like those deserve to be seen,” he allegedly said, while gazing “intrusively” at her and other classmates.
Harassed at the age of 13
Additional testimonies have surfaced on the same reporting accounts. One former student claimed to have been “harassed” at the age of 13, and another between “14 and 15 years.” “His method of demonstrating exercises was extremely uncomfortable, involving touching and making comments; everything felt very strange,” one asserts.
The person behind ‘Não Tenhas Medo’ disclosed that “numerous girls reported their situations with this instructor” to their schools, but the response was often that he was “awkward, but a nice person.”
The victims have, however, refrained from filing police reports, fearing employment repercussions or tarnishing their reputation in the arts industry.
Removed by ACE School of Arts Management
Following the release of screenshots of the instructor’s conversations, the ACE School of Arts issued a statement on social media, confirming that the instructor “was terminated from his position at the school as of April 2025” by management decision.
“At ACE, numerous mechanisms are in place to identify and prevent abuse, harassment, and discrimination, such as an Ethics Committee and a Reporting Channel. ACE unequivocally stands for respecting its school community, acting clearly and decisively against any information or allegations. We reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that define our Educational Project, which has earned the trust of thousands of students over nearly four decades,” the school emphasized.
It appears the instructor was not only expelled from the ACE School of Arts following multiple sexual harassment complaints but also from another educational institution.
Notícias ao Minuto has reached out to the Porto Dance Center for confirmation on whether the instructor continues to teach there or if any complaints about his conduct have been received. However, no response has been received yet.
Despite widespread social media mentions and tags, the instructor has yet to respond to the accusations.
