Afro Brazilian Dance with Rodson Santos de Jesus Learn a variety of dance forms from Northeastern Brazil, the heart of the country's African ancestry and culture. Rodson emphasizes rhythms and expressions in his work with the music and choreography. The nature of Afro Brazilian dance invites a study of African culture as it exists in Brazil. Sharing the cultural significance and history of the dances is an important part of Rodson's work.
Bahia Beats with Julia Hughes & Julio Remelexo Bahia Beats is a Brazilian Dance Workout with Julia & Julio. It is a trip through the streets of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. You learn popular dances of the people of Brazil including samba reggae, samba, pagodge da Bahia, arrocha, funk and samba afro through simple routines to the songs the way they are done in Brazil - sometimes called "Swing Bahia". Come listen to great music, dance, sweat and smile with us ... we'll all think we're in Brazil for an hour every week!
Bahia Grooves with Elisita Castanon-Hill Bahia Grooves description coming soon.
Brazilian Dance with Weslei Guimaraes & Tainah Damasceno Harvey Brazil is a country that is rich in music and dance. Often what is advertised as Brazilian dance in the United States, is only what has been explored in the North-East and South-East of Brazil. Now you have the opportunity to experience a wider variety of dances encompassing the entirety of Brazil. You will not only learn moves, but also acquire a deeper understanding of where and how to use them. We have a variety of modern dances that can be used in parties, clubs, and social gatherings. In addition, we offer the opportunity to explore and understand more traditional dances used in the Afro-Brazilian religions such as Candomblé. All levels welcome.
Haitian Dance with Laure Fleurentin In this class, students will discover the beauty of Haitian Folkloric and its connection to its accompanying rhythms and cultural meaning. No dance experience required. Well-suited for all levels. BrasArte welcomes this exciting, energetic and passionate dancer/choreographer/ instructor to its roster.
Puerto Rican Bomba Dance with Shefali Shah Join Shefali in this Bomba Choreography and Skill, Vocabulary and Technique class! Students will be learning, drilling and practicing choreographies that will strengthen your Bomba dancing figure, execution and musicality. Each choreography will be danced and practiced over the course of 4-6 weeks . The class be a combination of live drumming and dance to recorded Bomba songs.
Samba de Gafieira, Bolero & Forro with Weslei Guimaraes and Bruno Solis Samba de Gafieira (also called Gafieira) is a partner dance to Brazilian samba musical rhythms. Unlike various street and club forms of Brazilian samba, it evolved as a ballroom dance (dança de salão, literally, "salon dance"). Samba de Gafieira must be distinguished from the ballroom Samba, danced in International Latin and American Rhythm ballroom dance styles. Gafieira is usually a pair dance, although in artistic performances it is not uncommon to add solo variations, including steps of Samba no Pé. All levels welcome.
Samba no Pe with Nadia Qabazard Samba no Pé represents the classic moves of Brazil. This class offers insightful discovery and challenges for all dancers. All levels welcome.
West African Dance with Naby Bangoura In these classes you will experience the traditional rhythms, dances, and songs of Guinea. You will also explore Guinean culture through West-African rhythms. Some of the rhythms/ dances we will explore are used for weddings, baby naming ceremonies, and circumcision rituals. The class begins with a warm-up, followed with across the floor choreography and concludes with an improvisational dance circle around the drummers. LIVE MUSIC
DanceWorkout Classes
WorldDance with Samantha Lansman, Karma Smart and Tainah Damasceno Harvey Energetic, inspiring and fun dance-based workouts. These classes encourage you to have fun and get fit. Instructors spin beats from across the globe. Ideal for all fitness levels.
Music Classes
Brazilian Drum with Josue Santos The percussion classes focus on: initiation and musical perception, manual techniques teachings, which were with and without sticks. Motor control and organization. Individual and group practices. Knowledge of Afro rhythms. Samba, Ijexá, samba reggae, Candomblé Ketu nation, Angola and free contemporary beats. The student will be able to learn to play instruments such as agogô, xequerê, atabaque, berimbau, tamborim, repique, cuíca e pandeiro.
West African Drum with Jesse Servin Come explore the rich and trans formative rhythmic power of jebebara (aka djembe). We will learn the djembe, dunun parts, songs, history, and rhythmic language of each rhythm. This class will challenge students to look beyond the obvious and into the deeper aspects of the rhythms that will unlock the hidden gems of djembe music, and west african musicality in general. BYOD, or rent a drum for $5/class (advance notice required). Contact Jesse for more info or drum rental: 510-417-5018.
About Jesse: Jesse has over 15 years of playing experience with more than 10 years of teaching experience. He mentored intensively under the late great Abdoulaye Diakite for many years, as well as learned independently from other peers, teachers, books, CDs, and videos. Jesse teaches workshops in the U.S. and Japan, and leads yearly study trips to West Africa.
As a teacher, Jesse hopes to guide each drummer on a path of deeper understanding and connection with their drum and the rich cultural heritage it hails from. Realizing the power of the drum through dedication, patience, deep listening, and cooperation, a transformation takes place and one's own potential is unlocked. Come experience the power of JebeBara, the Unity Drum!
Past Classes
Ballet with Nona Refi Return the joy of dance to your life! These classes stress alignment and placement. You will strengthen your dance muscles without straining while learning technique to serve the art form. These classes emphasize musicality and expressiveness.Most importantly, we have fun! Join us! Nona has studied and performed ballet for over 30 years in the Philippines, New York City and the Bay Area. She has taught ballet for children and adults at the Oakland Ballet Academy and BrasArte.
Maracatu & Coco with Georgia Young & Elisa Chaves [Done as Workshop Series] Maracatu and Coco are folk dances from Northeastern Brazil. They are a mix of African, indigenous, and Portuguese music and culture and are usually danced on the streets and are part of Carnaval in some Brazilian cities. Come dance with us, have a lot of fun, and learn a little more of Brazilian culture and dance! Elisa and Georgia are from Rio de Janeiro. We are part of Maracatu Pacifico, a band from Oakland that performs on the streets and at events. Some of the classes will have live music!