_A well-respected
choreographer, performer and instructor, Conceição Damasceno studied Brasilian
folkloric, modern, jazz and Afro Brasilian dance from an early age. Her dance
education included Castelo Branco, Ebateca, Funacao Cultural da Bahia, Teatro
Castro Alves and Sesc (the best dance schools in Salvador, Bahia, Brasil). She did extensive research in Afro
Brasilian folklore and religion – especially from the Reconcovo region of Bahia (a location for early slave communities). Samba de roda and maculele
originated in that region.
Over time Ms. Damasceno has
developed her own signature technique. It preserves the authenticity of the
folkloric forms while adapting the dance for stage performance. She has
performed and directed traditional dance as well as her own choreographies
(which explore Brasil’s economic, political and social realities through her
own experiences).
In the United States, Ms. Damasceno studied the Katherine Dunham
technique – including taking workshop(s) with the legendary dance icon herself.
Ms. Damasceno has performed throughout Brasil, the United States, Europe and Asia. She has performed at the opening of show for major
artists, including Gilberto Gil, Margareth Menezes, Celia Cruz and Tito
Puentas. She has been a sought-after dance instructor for over 25 years.
Ms. Damasceno has
represented Brasilian culture for nearly 26 years in San Francisco’s annual Carnaval Parade. She has staged several
applauded local theatre productions, including Mixtura Brasileira, the Yemanja
Arts Festival, CuBahia and the Sao Joao Festival.
Most recently, Ms. Damasceno
received a Certificate of Honor from the City of San Francisco for “25 Years of Artistry and Cultural Contributions
to the Carnaval Community.”