BrasArte Presents

• Brazilian Dance
• Drumming
• Cooking
• Crafts

Conceição Damasceno, Brazilian dancer, choreographer and teacher, is devoted to the teaching of authentic Brazilian dance and culture to the children of the Bay Area. In 2001, Conceição founded the Borboletas Children's Dance Troupe and has directed the two week Borboletas Summer Dance camp every summer since then. She has developed a unique curriculum for children and teens including dance, drumming, crafts and cooking with an emphasis on cross-cultural awareness.

Dance instruction includes Brazilian dance of many varieties from different areas of Brazil, ballet and hip hop. Conceição's approach to dance is unique in that it emphasizes the joy of dance and the thrill of being present in one's body. Conceição's dance classes are about more than just technique; she teaches that an ideal ballerina body is hardly required. Conceição's believes that is essential that childen learn that it is not how you look, but how you feel.

"In Brazil, people smile and dance and take pleasure in the present, even though they might be poor. If you're dancing properly, the rhythm and movements can take you to a place where you feel true happiness."
Conceição Damasceno, quoted in SF Chronicle, May 25, 2001


"My daughter had a great time; the combination of
dance, crafts and free play was just right."
Mother of Borboleta Dance Camper, 2001

"My teen age daughter learned to love being in her body. What a gift!"
Mother of Borboletas Dance Camper, 2002

"I loved dancing for three hours a day, especially the samba and ballet."
Borboletas Camper, 2001

"Learning to drum was fantastic!"
Borboletas Camper, 2002

Campers learn traditional Afro-Brazilian dance and drumming. Children are also exposed to other forms of dance including ballet, hip-hop and modern dance. In addition, campers cook delicious Brazilian food, create their own beautiful dance costumes and finally, perform for parents and friends. This summer camp is a project of BrasArte, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cross-cultural exchange between Brazil and the United States.

For children ages 6-18. Join us for one or two weeks of dancing, drumming, crafts, cooking and loads of fun! Details of dates, costs and scholarship availability will be posted here in the future.