ADDING THIS SPRING:
- Salsa
- Brazilan Dance and Creative Movement for Kids
Stay Tuned!!!
——
Current Classes:
-
Samba de Gafieira
Samba de Gafieira is an elegant partner ballroom dance based on the samba musical rhythm, though it is quite different from International Ballroom Samba. It can be danced to various types of samba rhythms; the most appropriate ones being Bossa Nova, Choro or Samba Canção. This beautiful dance has created its own identity after much influence from other dance styles such as Tango and Bolero. It originated in the 1930s as a social dance in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and through the years it has evolved to becoming a samba style that is known for its grace and cheeky playfulness!
To view a video of this dance style click below:
——
Bolero
A dance of love, there are two versions in regards to the origins of Bolero. One is that it originated in Spain, while the other maintains that it appeared in Cuba and was later popularized in Mexico. In Brazil, Bolero was heavily influenced by Tango, hence many turns, crosses and other variations were added. This slow, smooth and romantic dance has established its own style in Brazil, which is quite different from International Ballroom Bolero.
To view a video of this dance style click below:
——
Soltinho
Soltinho, meaning “a little bit loose” is a mix of steps borrowed from jive, swing and rock. A relatively new dance in Brazil, it can be danced to many styles of music. This relaxed dance is easy to learn, as it has less technique than other dances.
To view a video of this dance style click below:
——
Forró
Forró was born in the northeast of Brazil, from a mixture of African and European influences. Originally, it was characterized by the sound of the accordion, zabumba (a type of drum), triangle and the concertina, but now in Brazil the modern Forró – Forró Universitário – is known to have added electronic instruments. This simple two-step dance is danced by couples who hold each other closely and elaborate with turns and variations.
To view a video of this dance style click below:
——
-
Zouk
Zouk is a sensual dance which was developed in the Brazilian tourist town of Porto Seguro, Bahia, Brazil and the Caribbean during the 1980′s. Zouk has been influenced by English, French and African culture to create a beautiful dance fusion which has been embraced by the rest of the world. There are two different forms of Zouk that are practiced: Caribbean Zouk, which is felt in 2/2time; and Brazilian Lambada-Zouk, which utilizes 4/4 signature with beats on 1,3 and 4. The word Zouk means ‘party’ in the native Creole language.
To view a video of this dance style click below:
-
Lambada
Lambada is a dance that was born in Brazil, and became internationally popular in the 1980s after the pop group Kaoma released their hit single in 1989. Its predecessors include Forró, Sayas, Maxixe and Carimbó. Today, Lambada is danced predominantly to Zouk music as the dance has evolved so much from its original form that there is an ongoing debate as to whether the Zouk-Lambada is a new type of dance or just the natural evolution of the Lambada of the early 1990s.
To view a video of this dance style click below:
——
Axé Dance
The word ‘axé’ (pronunciation “ashea”) means power and energy, and the Axé dance reflects this synergy. It is a solo dance that started in 1992 during the Brazilian Carnival season in Bahia when the Axé rhythm replaced the Lambada. It is strongly influenced by African Dance movements and it is one of the most popular dances at the Brazilian Carnival, especially in the state of Bahia. It is an extremely happy and high-energy dance with lots of hip and arms movements.
To view a video of this dance style click below:
——
Capoeira
Capoeira is a Brazilian art form combines martial arts, dance, music, and game. It does inside a circle with music and songs. Capoeira helps to develop motor coordination, balance, flexibility and strength.
To view a video of this dance style click below:
——
Samba no Pé
Samba is a Brazilian dance and musical genre originated in Bahia (Brazil) and with its roots in Africa via the West African slave trade and African religious traditions. It is recognized around the world as a symbol of Brazil and the Brazilian Carnival. It is considered one of the most popular Brazilian cultural expressions and has a very specific rhythm, highlighted to its best by characteristic Brazilian musical instruments. Samba no Pe is the type of Samba one seen in the Brazilian Carnival parades and in other Samba carnivals over the world and is a very happy, elegant, high-energy and sensual dance .
To view a video of this dance style click below:
——
Zumba
Zumba is a dance-based fitness class that uses a fusion of Latin and International rhythms with easy-to-follow moves. It includes both cardio and resistance training components designed to tone and sculpt the entire body. It is designed for adults of all ages and fitness levels.
Video coming soonBrazilian Cardio Dance
This is a program developed specifically for fitness clubs and corporate groups where we teach Axé, Lambada, Samba de Gafieira, Carnival Samba and other Brazilian dances moves. The program combines movements from these dances with a strong emphasis on an aerobic workout. This program is noted for its remarkable body conditioning and weight-loss effects, as one can burn up to 700 calories in a 45 minutes class.
——
Latin Dances (Salsa, Merengue, Cha Cha Cha and Argentine Tango)
