Patrice Moniz, Founder of MIU

Patrice Moniz is a world-renowned educator and teacher trainer in the Graham and Horton Techniques, and a member of the International Dance Council (CID). Patrice is also a Principal Samba Dancer who has performed internationally. He is the co-founder of Leap and the founder of MIU. He has over 20 years' experience in the dance and entertainment industry. Born and raised in France, he is originally from Cape Verde and based in London. Patrice studied ballet at l'Académie in northeast France, under Mrs and Mr Riba.

He discovered the Graham and Horton Techniques in Paris with Pasqualina Noël, a former member of the Graham Ensemble and Pearl Lang Dance Theater Company, and with Magali Vérin, an Ailey School graduate and founder of Corpo M' Company. Patrice received an Honorary Fulbright Scholarship for his professional dance training in ballet, Horton, Graham, jazz, and contemporary dance. He graduated from the Académie Internationale de la Danse and the Institut de Formation Rick Odums in Paris. He then furthered his professional training at the prestigious Ailey School in New York City. After years of meticulous training in the codified Graham and Horton Techniques, Patrice teaches the Martha Graham and Lester Horton methods, having studied with renowned modern dance figures and master teachers, such as former Martha Graham School director Mrs Kazuko Hirabayashi and Jacob's Pillow programme director and former Ailey Faculty member Mr Milton Myers.

Patrice began his early career in cabaret as a Latin dancer and choreographer with The Music Hall Viva Brasil in France. Over the years, he has performed internationally with various dance companies and choreographers, including Finest Ballet Brasil (Zurich), Modern Dance Ensemble Company (Paris), Brazilian Fantasy Dance Company (London), BOP Jazz Theatre Company (London), Reuben Feels Company (London), and The Grand Expedition, an immersive theatre show in London, as well as serving as an apprentice with the Béjart Ballet Lausanne. Patrice understudied The Beloved (1948) by Lester Horton and performed works from the repertoire choreographed by Martha Graham, Ted Shawn, Dollie Henry, Rick Odums, and Maurice Béjart. He has also worked as a freelance artist and actor in various projects, including the Brit Awards, BBC Proms, and has appeared in music videos, live television shows, films, and commercials.

In 2020, Patrice founded M Intensive MIU. A year later, he established MIU, an online school for teachers and a global institution registered with the International Dance Council (CID). It provides online Graham and Horton certification. In 2025, Patrice co-founded Leap, the first social media community for dancers, creating a new home for professionals worldwide. Patrice has taught in major vocational schools such as Italia Conti, Urdang or AYD.