Pinah Ayoud, the soul of Beija-Flor and an eternal star of Carnaval.
Pinah Ayoub.
Her name is written deep into the history of Beija-Flor de Nilópolis.
For nearly five decades, she has walked the avenue with the discipline of a baluarte.
First as a passista, then as a destaque de chão, later as a respected figure of continuity within the school. Her role has always been clear: to serve the pavilhão and its community.
In March 1978, in Rio de Janeiro, an evening changed her public life.
During a cultural presentation at the Palácio da Cidade, the then Prince Charles invited her to dance.
She responded with the natural flow of samba.
The image travelled the world.
From that night on, she became known as the Black Cinderella.
That moment did not erase her work. It illuminated it.
Because at the core, Pinah Ayoub is about discipline and presence.
About stitching memory into celebration.
About returning year after year with gratitude and fidelity to Beija-Flor.
In 2024, she paraded once more as a destaque de chão, “A Deusa da Passarela,” and received a tribute upon an allegorical float revisiting the school’s history.
Her continuity is visible, measurable, confirmed.
Pinah Ayoub stands as a cornerstone of Beija-Flor.
Her path is held by loyalty, service, and a moment that became symbol.
Axé.
She is described as "the soul of Beija-Flor and an eternal star of Carnaval."
She has a long history with the school, having paraded with Beija-Flor for nearly 50 years and never with another samba school.
Her connection to samba began early as the daughter of a mestre-sala (a traditional leading male dancer in samba schools).
Pinah gained international recognition in 1978 when she danced samba with Prince Charles during his visit to Rio de Janeiro.
Beyond being a passista (a samba dancer), she has also been a highlight on the allegorical floats.
Currently, she is part of the directorate of Beija-Flor, indicating her continued and important role within the school.
She is referred to as the "Black Cinderella" of Beija-Flor.
Pinah is considered a living reference of Brazilian popular culture and a timeless muse of the Marquês de Sapucaí (the Sambadrome).
With fire and memory, this is Nomadic Light.
Note d’archives Pinah Ayoub
Nom: Pinah Ayoub
École: Beija-Flor de Nilópolis
Activité: près de 50 ans de défilés et de service à l’école
Rôles: passista, destaque de chão, baluarte, membre de la direction de l’école
Surnom: Cinderela Negra
Tournant public: danse avec l’alors prince Charles au Palácio da Cidade, Rio, 9 mars 1978
Hommages notables: mise à l’honneur dans des enredos et allégories retraçant l’histoire de l’école, dont 2024 avec “A Deusa da Passarela” en destaque de chão
Principe personnel, souvent rappelé:
respect du pavilhão, transmission à la nouvelle génération