Slim Mello began his dance training at Grupo de Dança do Liceu de Artes under the direction of Beth Rangel and Jorge Silva. He was a scholarship student at the Bolshoi School and performed the ballet Don Quixote. Mr. Mello was a member of Balé Folclórico da Bahia under the direction of Walson Botelho and Zebrinha and studied Afro-Brazilian dance with Nildinha Fonseca. In 2008, he was a member of DanceBrazil under the direction of Jelon Vieira. As a fellowship student at The Ailey School, Mr. Mello performed in Alvin Ailey's Memoria at New York City Center. He has worked with many choreographers including Marilza Oliveira, Kevin Irving, Joaquim de Santana, Steven Rooks, Carlos dos Santos, and Vernard Gilmore. This is Mr. Mello’s second year with Ailey II.