Thatiana Pagung - Current Rainha da Bateria of Mocidade Independente of Padre Miguel

Thatiana is one of the elite class of samba dancers in Rio who made it to the star level where only actresses and models roam. Thatiana who has a degree in the arts and theater, is also a star of Brazilian Soap Operas or "novelas". She has appeared in countless newspapers, magazines and television shows and you would think she got her job as the Queen of the Percussion on look, acting talent, etc. - everything BUT samba.

Not true.

Thatiana has been dancing samba ever since she was a child and worked her way up in the samba schools in Rio to gain the most prestigious position in one of the top 5 samba schools in all of Brazil: the "Rainha da Bateria" of Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel.

She also recently stared in a soap opera on Rede Record where she was slated to be "killed" off only after a few episodes. But she was so well recieved, the writers decided to keep her on for over 50 episodes.

Talent, brains, and a business sense, she is also currently making a documentary film called "80 Minutes to the Sambadrome".

Long Beach Samba Designer Tapped by Mocidade Queen to Design 2009 Outfit

The queen of the Percussion (Rainha da Bateria) of Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel, one of the top samba schools in Rio de Janeiro has chosen Los Angeles Designer Doris de Hilster to help design her 2009 Carnaval costume.

Doris in turn has invited Thatiana to join Alex de Oliveira to join them for the 12th Annual Brazilian Street Carnaval in Long Beach, Doris' home town where they put on a very authentic Brazilian Rio-Style samba parade each year.

This year's theme is "Children - The Future of All Nations". More info on the carnaval can be found at queen.sambacollection.com.