Agata Fey

Formerly known internationally as Gato de Salto

​

Agata Fey is a Brazilian Samba performer, choreographer, and instructor based in Vienna, Austria.

Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Agata has achieved international recognition through her distinctive interpretation of Samba, combining elegance, femininity, high heels technique, and traditional Brazilian samba foundations.

​

Growing up as a victim of homophobia and bullying, Agata found in dance a powerful form of self-expression. After facing depression, homesickness, and the challenges of adapting to life in Europe, she reconnected with her Brazilian roots through Samba and rebuilt herself through art.

​

For many years, the world knew her as Gato de Salto, a name that became synonymous with empowerment, authenticity, and joy. Today, while embracing her true identity as Agata Fey, she proudly honors the path that brought her here. "A Gata" is a tribute to "Gato de Salto" — a reminder that every chapter of her story matters.

​

"Samba saved me and helped me love and accept myself for who I am. It gave me the strength to step out of my comfort zone and truly live."

​

Agata danced for several years with Salgueiro and Paraíso do Tuiuti, two renowned samba schools of Rio de Janeiro's Grupo Especial, the highest division of Brazilian Carnival.

As a transgender woman and LGBTQIA+ advocate, Agata uses her platform to promote visibility, fairness, and inclusion within the carnival world and beyond. She believes that Samba belongs to everyone and actively works to open doors for greater diversity in this vibrant cultural tradition.

​

Through her signature high heels style, Agata teaches her students how to embrace femininity and sensuality with elegance rather than vulgarity. Her philosophy goes far beyond dance: Samba becomes a lifestyle — a joyful way to stay fit, build confidence, express oneself, and unleash the inner Goddess within.

​

In recent years, Agata has served as a judge at prestigious Samba competitions in the United States, Germany, and Australia, helping shape the future of this art form worldwide. Since 2024, she has been part of the body of teachers at ImPulsTanz, one of Europe's largest and most renowned dance festivals, based in her home city of Vienna.

For the past three years, she has also been a Muse at Rio Carnival, challenging traditional norms and advocating for diversity, transgender visibility, and respect for all bodies within Samba culture.

​

Agata holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Transcultural Communication and also works as a conference interpreter. Languages, travel, and cultural exchange are among her greatest passions. This unique combination of artistic and intercultural skills has led her to teach workshops in more than 20 countries, perform at international festivals, and inspire thousands of people around the world.

​

Today, Agata Fey continues her mission of sharing the transformative power of Samba, proving that authenticity, courage, and self-love are among life's most beautiful dances.