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Sashya Jay
Channel 7
Australian Olympic Committee
Nespresso
Camilla
Globo TV
Studio 10

Internationally renowned Creative Director, Choreographer, Performing Artist, Educator and Australia’s most recognised Brazilian Dance Director. Sashya Jay is a powerhouse visionary and founder of several ground-breaking ventures including Rio Projekt, Escola de Samba Sydney and Samba Internaçional. 

 

Sashya has performed at an elite level in Rio Carnaval since 2017.  In 2024 she became one of only two international artists ever to be featured and parade as a Musa with Rio’s most famous Samba school, Estação Primeira de Mangueira. 

Background

Sashya was raised in Kingston, Jamaica with Afrocentric culture as her foundational influence. Starting out as a Music Journalist and Presenter in Australia, Sashya made her mark as a Concert Promoter and Tour Manager (1999-2015) working with celebrity artists such as Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, John Legend, The Roots, The Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay, Beck, De La Soul, The Pharcyde, Jurassic 5, U2 and more.

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Sashya’s forte in Brazilian dance has evolved through immersing herself in the culture and training and performing with the top Brazilian dance artists and aficionados in Brasil, the USA and Australia since 2005. She is one of only a handful of international artists officially endorsed by Carlinhos Salgueiro (Rio’s King of Samba) and has taught Brazilian dance workshops around Australia, the USA and in Brazil. 

Toured Renowned Brazilian Artists

Sashya has toured renowned Brazilian Carnaval artists in Australia for workshops and performances. Some of these artists include Carlinhos Salguerio, Evelyn Bastos, Vitor Art, Luana Bandeira, Matheus Oliverio, Mayara Santos, Alex Coutinho, Jorge Amarello, Tiago Montalti, Rosangela Silvestre, Patrick Carvalho, Kellyn Rosa and more.

Performances

Sashya performs annually in Rio Carnaval and is a Musa for the famous Samba school, Estação Primeira de Mangueira. She also paraded as a Musa for Imperio Serrano (2020 and 2023) and as a Passista (professional Samba dancer) for three of Rio’s top Samba Samba schools – Salgueiro, Tuiuti and Imperio Serrano (2017 – 2020). In addition to Brazil, Sashya has performed internationally in Hong Kong, Cuba, Fiji and the USA.  

Choreography & Creative Direction Highlights:

  • Chali 2na Comin Thru 2020 Remix music video

  • Official “1 year to Rio” event for Channel 7 & The Australian Olympic Committee

  • Official “Welcome Home” events for the Australian Olympic Team + Paralympic team 

  • Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras (Best Choreography winner 2015, runner up 2016) 

  • Televised half-time show for the NRL Cronulla Sharks “Rio Round”

  • Runway performances for Keune Australia’s Hair Show (2012-present)

  • Chrysler Australia “World Cup” event at Crown Casino Melbourne

  • S.O.S. Gala at Rosehill Racecourse

  • Nespresso Ultimate Coffee Experience Gala 

  • Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange at the Metro Theatre.   

  • Sashed The Label Video campaign.

  • Brazilian Independence Day Festival, Darling Harbour

  • The Starlight Foundation Ball, Darwin

Media Appearances

Sashya is frequently featured in the media both in Australia and Brazil for her work.

In Australia, Sashya has been at the forefront of Brazilian performing arts since 2010. She has appeared on every major television network representing official Brazilian events including the Rio 2016 Olympics and the FIFA World Cup 2014 (where she launched the official match ball live on air).

 

Sashya’s performance credits include a host of major organisations and brands such Westfield, The NRL, Australian Fashion Week, Veuve Clicquot, Vogue, Rugby 7’s, Nestle and Camilla With Love; as well as Australia’s most iconic venues including The Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Commbank Stadium, The SCG, Hordern Pavilion, Luna Park, Carriageworks, The Star, Sydney Olympic Park and Crown Casino Melbourne. 

 

Sashya has also performed with notable celebrity artists including Jason Derulo, Todd McKenney, James Arthur, Sergio Mendes, Nathalie Kelley, Hayley Teal and Chali 2na; and featured in campaigns for Camilla With Love, Kia, Zoe Pook Jewellery, Metamucil, Rapid Loss, The Brazilian Gem Collection and more.

Australian Media:

  • Sunrise on 7 (regular appearances)

  • Australian Ninja Warrior, Channel 9

  • Channel 7’s national announcement of their media rights to the 2016 Olympics

  • Channel 7’s unveiling of the official FIFA World Cup 2014 Match Ball (Adidas Brazuca) 

  • Fox 8 for the official FIFA World Cup launch

  • Channel 9 news

  • Channel 10 - Studio 10, Channel 10 news

  • Fox Sports Australia

  • SBS Australia 

  • The X Factor Australia

  • The Daily Telegraph

  • Sydney Morning Herald

  • The Herald Sun

  • Inside Sport Magazine

  • Café Reporter Magazine

Brazilian Media:

  • Globo Television (Brasil’s largest national TV network) interviews, features and Carnaval highlights 

  • Radio Roquette-Pinto FM feature 

  • Bandierantes TV 

  • RJTV Carnaval 

  • Veja Gente

  • Dancing With The Stars, Brasil 

  • Ego Brazil

  • TV Mais Carnaval

  • Journal Globo 

  • Carnaval Interativo 

  • SRzd

Creative Direction
& Choreography

Sashya’s extensive creative direction and choreography work includes official televised events for the Australian Olympic Team, half-time performances for the NRL, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, runway shows, stage productions, brand campaigns, media events and so much more. 

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Sashya has directed, produced, choreographed and performed in three major stage shows in Australia: The Carnaval Experience, Worlds In Motion and Flava of The Caribbean.  She is also the co-director for an ala (section) of international Samba dancers in Rio Carnaval for Unidos de Bangu.

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