From Lisbon to the World Stage: Ines Duarte’s Journey to Lead Dancer at Motus the Company
Photo credit: @streetslight_ph
Ines Duarte’s journey from Lisbon’s vibrant dance scene to the global stage is a story of passion, perseverance, and artistic evolution. Over the past 13 years, she has progressed from an eager student exploring Jazz and Contemporary dance to a performer and choreographer specializing in street dance styles.
Now, as the lead dancer at Motus the Company, a globally recognized organization known for its movement research and creative development, Ines is set to make an even greater impact on the dance world. Her path is marked by rigorous training, international experiences, and achievements that have solidified her reputation as one of her generation’s most versatile and accomplished dancers.
Early Years and Training in Lisbon
Born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal, Duarte found her love for dance at Jazzy Dance Studios, where she began training in Jazz and Contemporary styles. However, her curiosity to explore other forms of movement led her to street dance—a discovery that would define her career. Her immersion in Popping, Locking, Hip-Hop, House, Waacking, and Voguing established her technical foundation and sparked a deeper passion for cultural authenticity in dance.
This pursuit of authenticity propelled Duarte into an intensive international journey, where she studied with pioneering dancers and creators across Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Sweden, and Germany. A pivotal moment came through the prestigious “Bootcamp by Jukebox Crew” program in Portugal, where she earned a coveted scholarship for its inaugural year. The nine-month intensive training program challenged her with both physical training and theoretical study, including musical theory, production, nutrition, and physical conditioning.
Reflecting on this period of growth, Duarte shares: “The training was intense—both physically and mentally—but it gave me the tools I needed to excel. It wasn’t just about learning steps; it was about understanding the essence of each style.”
Rise to Prominence and Joining Motus the Company
Duarte’s professional trajectory has been marked by increasingly prestigious performances and collaborations. Her appearances at Eurovision 2018 and Rock in Rio 2018 showcased her versatility, while partnerships with global brands like Nike, Renault, and McDonald’s established her commercial presence. Her work with Portuguese artists David Carreira and Branko further cemented her reputation in the entertainment industry.
Her creative influence extends beyond performance to choreography, with notable successes including Filipe Gonçalves’ music video “Química” and April Ivy’s acclaimed performance at Meo Sudoeste Festival. In the competitive arena, Duarte has led teams to victory at Hip-Hop International Portugal, securing first-place titles in 2020 and 2023.
The Motus Chapter
Duarte’s journey took a decisive turn in 2020 when she joined Motus the Company through their innovative online training program. Despite the challenges of relocating to London during the global pandemic, she quickly established herself as a vital force in the city’s dance community, securing teaching positions at the renowned Pineapple Dance Studios.
In her new role as lead dancer at Motus, Duarte is poised to push the boundaries of contemporary dance while maintaining her commitment to street dance authenticity. “Motus represents everything I’ve worked toward—creativity without boundaries,” she says. “I’m thrilled to collaborate with talented individuals who share my passion for pushing artistic limits.”
Embracing her new role, Duarte’s vision for dance innovation combines technical excellence with cultural preservation. Her leadership at Motus the Company promises to influence the next generation of dancers while advancing the art form itself. She continues bridging the gap between street dance culture and contemporary artistic expression through movement research, performance, and creative development.
