In this talk by 84 year old Antonio Vargas, he demonstrates that anything is possible when one has inspiration and a passion within with the right mindset. He argues there has to be a time to retire gracefully from the performing aspect as the body takes its toll, and now shares his professional experience including dancing for The Beatles and Tom Cruise. Since an early age, the art of Flamenco attracted my attention more than any other activity I took part in. Fate took me to Spain to join an illustrious Spanish company at the age of 18 which included quite serious training to achieve a professional level. At The age of 22 I formed a dance theatre company (Antonio Vargas Flamenco Dance Theatre) and was discovered by British promoter Harold Fielding who signed me up with an exclusive 7 year touring contract that began with a guest appearance in the Beatles TV special - a stroke of luck allowed me to tour worldwide and gained fame and fortune. 20 years of living in NZ and Australia led me to various films and TV American Series, Strictly Ballroom, TIME TRECKS and The Harvey Goldsmith Carmen opera tour as dancer and choreographer of the tavern scene. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 7:51Red 40: the Truth Behind this Seemingly Innocent Chemical | Soham Shah | TEDxBrushy Creek YouthThis TEDx talk uncovers the hidden dangers of Red 40, one of the most common synthetic food dyes in our everyday snacks and drinks. From its petroleum origins to links with hyperactivity, allergies, and even cancer risks, Soham Shah reveals how cost and appearance often outweigh health. More importantly, he challenges us to read labels, choose natural alternatives, and spread awareness—proving that small choices can add up to a healthier future for all. Soham Shah is a curious high schooler is always looking to learn new things. When Red 40 came across his mind, he immediately dove into deep research. Soon, he found many potential consequences of this dye and felt it worth sharing. When TEDx provided him the stage to speak to a larger audience, he saw it as a golden opportunity to enhance the knowledge of his community. He is so grateful for the chance he got to enlighten his audience. Outside of this, Soham engages in various activities including chess, cricket, and coding and has always found a strong passion with science. He is hopeful to get his audience to look beyond current perspectives and to build a new horizon for everyone to live in! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 9:30Skin Without Stigma | Sisira Bikumala | TEDxBrushy Creek YouthThis TEDx talk challenges the hidden force of colorism—from colonial history to social media filters—that still shapes beauty, opportunity, and self-worth. With sharp insight and personal reflection, Sisira Bikumala calls us to unlearn bias and imagine a future where dignity isn’t measured by skin tone. Sisira Bikumala is a 15-year-old student at Rouse High school who's passionate about uncovering the overlaps in culture, identity, and social change. She’s dedicated to continue creating conversations that challenge bias and uplift voices that are often ignored. From sharing, speaking, or even just listening, she’s always seeking ways to bridge understandings across differences. In the future, she’s excited to pursue a career in business and law and will continue to advocate for diversity in media, marketing, and in our everyday lives. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 18:06Experimente Competir: Lições de Um Atleta Para a Vida | Jota Campos | TEDxUSP Ribeirão PretoOs detalhes invisíveis do alto rendimento no esporte. Desde a construção de hábitos diários ao fortalecimento de uma mentalidade vencedora. Professor, treinador, ex-nadador profissional e um dos maiores divulgadores da natação na América Latina. João Octávio Campos, conhecido como Jota Campos, construiu uma trajetória que alia excelência acadêmica, experiência prática e um forte compromisso com a educação esportiva. Iniciou sua jornada nas piscinas aos seis anos de idade e, desde então, fez da natação não apenas uma carreira, mas uma missão. Formado em Educação Física, mestre pela Universidade de São Paulo (USP) e especialista em treinamento esportivo, foi atleta de alto rendimento, competindo por grandes clubes do Brasil e em torneios nacionais e internacionais. É fundador da plataforma "Nada Melhor" e do canal homônimo no YouTube, que se tornaram referência no ensino da natação na América Latina. Autor de diversos materiais educativos, como e-books e cursos. Jota também é palestrante e formador de profissionais. Esta é uma oportunidade de conhecer de perto uma trajetória que une esporte, educação e impacto social. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:30Desistir Não é Uma Opção: Liderar em Tempos de Policrises | Adriana Caldana | TEDxUSP Ribeirão PretoA principal crise do nosso tempo é de liderança. O que nos impede de transformar o mundo é a falta de uma educação que nos conecte e nos humanize. Professora, pesquisadora e formadora de líderes, nossa palestrante é uma das vozes mais engajadas quando o assunto é gestão com responsabilidade.Livre-docente pela FEA-RP/USP e doutora em Psicologia pela USP, nossa palestrante tem uma trajetória acadêmica marcada pela interdisciplinaridade e pelo compromisso com a formação crítica.Desenvolve programas voltados à formação de líderes responsáveis e conduz pesquisas sobre temas como gestão sustentável de pessoas, educação para a sustentabilidade, responsabilidade social corporativa e desenvolvimento sustentável.Atualmente, representa o Brasil no Expert Pedagogy Group (ExPeG) da ONU e integra o conselho do Movimento Salário Digno da Rede Brasil do Pacto Global, e é a mãe do Lucas e da Helena!Nesta edição do TEDxUSP Ribeirão Preto, ela propõe uma reflexão crítica sobre os caminhos da sustentabilidade na gestão e na educação, em uma fala que promete provocar, esclarecer e ampliar perspectivas. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 17:27O Padrão Por Trás de Mentes Brilhantes | Isabela Matte | TEDxUSP Ribeirão PretoMentes brilhantes erram mais, mas desistem menos. Nem tudo o que é simples é óbvio, e nem tudo o que é óbvio é simples. Isabela Matte é fundadora e CEO do grupo de educação empresarial SPARKZ e da edtech IMATIZE, além de escritora, mentora, influenciadora digital com mais de 1 milhão de seguidores no Instagram e mãe. Nascida em Brasília e radicada em São Paulo, Isabela é a verdadeira definição de multifacetada. Aos 12 anos, iniciou sua trajetória empreendedora com uma marca de moda digital que conquistou projeção nacional ainda em sua adolescência. Em 2018, foi reconhecida pela Forbes Under 30 como uma das jovens mais influentes do país, inspirando milhares de jovens com sua história de iniciativa e inovação. Nesta edição do TEDxUSP Ribeirão Preto, Isabela Matte trará uma palestra profunda, explorando os padrões de comportamento e pensamento de mentes brilhantes, compartilhando aprendizados da sua própria jornada empreendedora e provocando reflexões sobre como equilibrar ambição, propósito e autenticidade na vida pessoal e profissional. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 17:08A Soundtrack for Survival | Zara Asatrian | TEDxKlagenfurtIn this moving performance, singer-songwriter Zara Asatrian shares original songs that give voice to the quiet struggles we often silence - heartbreak, healing, and the strength it takes to keep going. Her lyrics are raw, her melodies memorable, and together, they form a soundtrack for anyone trying to find their way back to themselves. Zara Asatrian, is a musician, singer, and performer redefining the sound of a new generation. Born in Klagenfurt into a family of musicians, her father a jazz pianist and mother a classical violinist, she began classical piano at four and has been dancing and singing ever since. Now based in Paris, she studies at IMEP and the CRR de Paris, where her music fuses jazz, pop, electronic, and groove. Her 2025 debut EP Ende/Anfang is an independent project created with her brother. It showcases her signature mix of German lyrics and genre-expanding sound. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
