BRAZILIAN DANCES

People often are curious about how Samba is danced in Brazil. Samba has different styles and influences.

Samba de Gafieira is a ballroom style.

Samba no Pé means "Samba danced with the feet" and is probably the most common way to dance to samba rhythms. It's danced on your own and is the best way to follow the ESCOLAS DE SAMBA in Rio de Janeiro Carnival every year in late February. It tends to be fast and breath-taking, and it's also a great way to keep fit.

Samba-Reggae is a rhythm born in Salvador de Bahia, Northeast Brazil. It takes its influence from Samba, Afro dances, and Reggae. Samba-Reggae is a fast and energetic exercise for the whole body. In the Samba-Reggae classes, we also introduce you to the fashionable Axé Dance that has been influenced by Samba-Reggae and Samba.

Forró Who would have thought that young people in large Brazilian cities would be dancing the Forró with gusto? Once seen as an old and traditional Brazilian rhythm, the Forró has taken over and become the dance-floor fever for the younger generations. The Forró rhythm and dance is largely a compilation of African and European dance rhythms which arrived in Brazil during the beginning of the 19th century.

Our Teacher: sam Ray

Since 1970, Sam acquired much experience in the areas of dance and theater as director, actor, dancer and choreographer.While touring in Europe, Sam took a little bit of Brazil to France. He lectured at "Paris Centre II" and at the "Institut Pédagogique d'Art Choréographique" in Paris. Making good use of his stay in Europe, Sam took courses at "The Palace Dance School" while in London-UK.Sam now continues his work as a teacher and dancer, performing in Brazil and overseas, completing, as such, his artistic mission of sharing with others 'the wonderful art of dance'.

Sam Ray passes on to his students one of the most important aspects of dancing - gaining a steady ground while moving. As students progress to the next level, Sam takes pride in directing students to venues and dance styles that will add to and complement their individual dance styles and preferences.

Levels you can achieve

BASIC LEVEL
Focuses on listening to a variety of Samba rhythms, accompanied by the correct Ginga, Posture, and Direction. During the course of the class, students learn to manage their personal dance space and begin recognizing personal and partner space, while following these rhythms with basic steps. Students will gain a sense of the soul of the dance, while releasing their inhibitions. For the duration of this class, students dance mainly on their own, though basic partnering is introduced during the last few classes.

INTERMIEDIATE LEVEL
A continuation for the Basics syllabus with emphasis on technique/expression/routines and choreography.

FREESTYLE FOR BEGINNERS
This class focuses on listening to various Samba and Forró rhythms and on learning to follow these rhythms with basic steps. Students will gain a sense of the soul of the dances, as they learn Rhythm, Ginga, Posture, and Direction. In addition, participants will understand the management of personal and partner space, while releasing their inhibitions. Freestyle is primarily a group participation dance. However, for interested participants, we will learn the basic forms of partnering.

Classes are Mondays at 9:00 PM