Each class begins with a 5 to 10 minute warm-up session featuring progressive Afro-Brazilian flexibility movements and stretching exercises that are set to popular Brazilian music.

The warm-up is followed by a half-hour of gradually more complex Samba and Samba Reggae dance steps, choreographed by Sonia, as the group imitates and mimics her movements in line dance fashion. (Samba Reggae is the newest Brazilian dance style that also originated in town of Salvador, Bahia.)

The learning of the dance steps begins with a mastering of basic Samba foot movements as set to traditional and popular Samba music. As custom dictates, emphasis is placed on the second beat of the rhythm for most of the emphatic dance moves. As the session progresses, participants are encouraged to learn a combination of gradually more complex Samba steps using groups of four to six step movements incorporating side-to-side, forward and backward, and circular motions, while maintaining the basic Samba foot movements. High-energy symmetrical foot movements accompanied by elegant hip, shoulder, and arm gyrations are then added, creating a dance that includes the entire body in a fully traditional representation of Brazilian culture.

The final 10 to 15 minutes of the class close with a combination warm-down and individual challenge period, using Afro-Brazilian aerobic like movements, to demonstrate combinations of circular and one-on-one movements.

Classes are taught in the Washington, D.C. area. Each Samba workshop consists of 6 one-hour sessions.

COMING SOON: SAMBA HAPPY HOUR

Classes are planned around Sonia’s travel and performance schedule and are usually held on weeknights or Saturday days:

Schedules & Locations:

Brazilian Samba Dance Classes

by world renown dancer and choreographer Sonia Pessoa

Capoeira DC

Body Smith

BOSSA Bistro & Lounge

or click the button below to register

If you want more information on the next Samba workshop, please call us at (202) 337-3938 or write us at info@sambart.com.

Lessons are given by our own Sonia Pessoa. Experienced and patient, she will give your guests personalized attention so they’ll conquer the Samba in no time at all. Add a genuine taste of ‘Carnaval’ to your event.