The new Queen of Carnaval San Francisco 2004 is proud of being a born and raised in Oakland homegirl. Her mother is African-American and her father is Argentinean allowing Micaela a multi-racial and multi-ethnic upbringing which she acknowledges with an e-mail address which begins with "la_negrita." Her close-knit family supported her “free spirit” but also stressed the importance of education for the Cal Berkeley gradulate now making plans for an MBA. From any early age, her family supported her involvement in the performing arts, and her love of dance.

Micaela pays tribute to her dance mentor, Maria Souza founder/director of Aquarela Brazilian Dance Troupe

After seeing the Aquarela Dance Ensemble perform at the 1997 San Francisco Carnaval Ball, Micaela began taking Brazilian dance classes from Maria Sousa, director of Aquarela. The new Queen remembers being immediately mesmerized by the colorful costumes, pulsating movements and music, as well as, the group’s positive energy and spirit. In 1998 she officially joined the troupe and has been dancing with them ever since.

As a dancer with Aquarela, Micaela has performed with well-known artists like Carlos Santana, Daniela Mercury and Grupo Molejo. She has danced in Singapore, Taiwan, Hawaii, and other parts of the United States.

Carnaval SF Impressario Roberto Hernandez is charmed by the stunning enchantress at the Carnaval King & Queen contest held Saturday April 10, 2004 at the San Francisco Gift Center

In 2001, Micaela earned a B.A in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley and plans to return to school in the near future and work on a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Her goal is to start and operate her own business. Besides dancing, the twenty six year old Micaela enjoys studying history, reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

AQUARELA

2003 Queen Iya was the 3rd Queen from the Aquarela Brazilian Dance Troupe and Queen Micaela is now the 4th Queen

 

 

 

 

 

This year marks her eighth consecutive year of participating in the Carnaval San Francisco Parade. “I am proud to be following in the strong tradition of Aquarela, a group that has now produced a record of six Kings and Queens of the San Francisco Carnaval! I am very happy to have been crowned Queen of Carnaval San Francisco 2004 and have the opportunity to represent and promote such a positive and important event to the community,” said Micaela. “ I look forward to serving as ambassador for this year’s parade and hope to help make this the most exciting Carnaval ever!”