Current and Upcoming Workshops
More Coming Soon!
Click on a Workshop Image to Visit That Workshop's Facebook Event Page for More Information
Don't Forget to Like BrasArte's Facebook Page!
Don't Forget to Like BrasArte's Facebook Page!
Exploring The World Thru Dance and Music!
Past Workshops & Special Classes
Voice & Movement in Samba ~
A Vocal Workshop with Fabiana Cozza Tuesday, March 10, 2020 5:00 - 6:30pm Join us for a very special workshop with award-winning Brazilian vocalist Fabiana Cozza! More details coming soon! All Levels Welcome Workshop limited to 25 participants All Levels Welcome Only $25 in Advance ~ $30 at the Door |
Pandeiro em Roda ~ Douglas Alonso
Music Workshop Thursday, February 27, 2020 8:30 - 10:00pm This personalized tambourine workshop ( Pandeiro Workshop), invites the student on a rhythmic trip in order to practice and develop the basic technique of the tambourine through exercises performed during the class in a wheel format. • DouglasAlonso sees the tambourine as a “pocket drums” -- a small instrument that allows for the infinity of sounds and levadas -- offering the student an immersion in the different Brazilian rhythms. • In this meeting, rhythms such as choro, samba, high party, maxixe, baião, maracatu, march, frevo, funk, ijexá, among others, are worked on. • Students will also learn the proper spelling for the tambourine, offering adequate theoretical support so that they can memorize the rhythms and study them at home. All Levels Welcome Only $25 in Advance ~ $30 at the Door |
Samba Afro and Samba Reggae Dance Workshop with Dandha da Hora
Sunday, February 9, 2020 2:30 - 4:30pm $20 in Advance ~ $25 at the Door Dandha’s Dance Workshops are an invitation to explore the rich world of Afro Brazilian Dance traditions with a gifted and dedicated teacher. Her classes and workshops focus on folkloric and Orixa-inspired dance, Samba Afro and Samba Reggae – as well as other Brazilian dance styles – and feature live drumming by talented local musicians. Dandha welcomes students of all levels and backgrounds. Everyone will find challenges and inspiration in her dancing and teaching! |
Afro Brazilian Dance Workshop with Clodô Santana
Direct From Bahia Saturday, February 01, 2020 2:30-4:00pm $20 in Advance ~ $25 at the Door Pop Up Afro Brazilian Dance Workshop with master dancer Clodô Santana! This amazing dancer from Salvador, Bahia will teach his first Northern California workshop with LIVE DRUMMING by master Luiz Badaro. Clodô's workshop will focus on:
Yemanjá Arts Festival! |
Orixá Rhythms Workshop with Luiz Badaro
Saturday, February 01, 2020 1:00-2:30pm $20 in Advance ~ $25 at the Door Orixá Rhythms Workshop with master percussionist Luiz Badaro! Rare opportunity to explore the intricate rhythms of Brazilian candomblé with a teacher of deep knowledge. About Luiz Badaro: www.dancehistoryproject.org/index-of-artists/luiz-badaro/ |

Awakening Your Inner Clown with Capvara
Sunday, October 13, 2019
3:00-6:00pm
$40 in Advance ~ $50 At the Door
Awaken you inner clown in this fascinating workshop lead by a talented and engaging professional artist!
Capvara the Clown has traveled throughout Latin America and collaborated with international artists, presented at Circus conventions, organized art collectives and given shows for innumerous children in public schools. Capvara is committed to using his Clown Arts to awaken the inner child in everyone and spread smiles to all. His street performance motto is: "If you don't have money, give a smile."
Sunday, October 13, 2019
3:00-6:00pm
$40 in Advance ~ $50 At the Door
Awaken you inner clown in this fascinating workshop lead by a talented and engaging professional artist!
Capvara the Clown has traveled throughout Latin America and collaborated with international artists, presented at Circus conventions, organized art collectives and given shows for innumerous children in public schools. Capvara is committed to using his Clown Arts to awaken the inner child in everyone and spread smiles to all. His street performance motto is: "If you don't have money, give a smile."

Saturday, September 14, 2019
Starts at 3:00pm
Advance Registration: $20
At Door Registration: $25
Please Note: Students must bring drums, maracas and congas.
SF Brazilian Day & Lavagem 2019
Workshop Series
Just Added! Afro Brazilian Dance Workshop!
Saturday, August 24th ~ 2:30-4:00pm
Sambas da Bahia & Orixá Movement Workshops & Roda with revered master teacher Nildinha Fonseca - one of the most beloved dancers in all of Bahia!
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Samba Workshop
with Aninha Malandro February 9, 2019 2:00-3:30pm ~ Only $20 in Advance ($25 at the Door) Following popular request, she's back once again! After a long hiatus from the Bay Area, Ana Laidley is back at BrasArte to share a second exhilarating Samba no pé workshop! Come enrich your samba skills immensely with her unique style and talent. All Bay Area sambistas should attend this amazing workshop! |
Afro Brazilian Dance Workshop
with Dandha da Hora Saturday, December 15, 2018 2:30-4:00pm ~ Only $20 in Advance! ($25 at the Door) Dandha’s Afro Brazilian Dance Workshop is an invitation to explore the rich world of Afro Brazilian Dance traditions with a gifted and dedicated teacher. Her classes and workshops focus on folkloric and Orixa-inspired dance, Samba Afro and Samba Reggae – as well as other Brazilian dance styles – and feature live drumming by talented local musicians. Dandha welcomes students of all levels and backgrounds. Everyone will find challenges and inspiration in her dancing and teaching! |
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN DATES:
SUNDAY, 18 NOVEMBER SUNDAY, 02 DECEMBER Ready to experience a deeper connection with dance? Looking to explore songs and truly understand the context/meaning of the music? With Mariam, you will! Mariam will immerse you in the rich folklore from a deep musical paradise: Mali -- home of such well-known musicians as Oumou Sangaré, Coumba Sididé and the iconic Sali Sidibé. You will discover the ancient songs, dance steps and rhythms that Mariam has spent her life learning, performing and teaching. Informational handouts will be provided. 3:00pm ~ Song Instruction 3:30pm ~ Dance Warmup 4:00 ~ 5:00pm – Dance Instruction |
Uniquely dedicated to mining the depths of Mali’s cultural heritage, Mariam Diakité became a talented versatile artist -- a dancer, a singer and a percussionist whose expertise has made her highly in demand within Bamako for weddings, baptisms, and other ceremonies. Travelling extensively within her country and throughout West Africa, Mariam represents the best of Mali both at home and abroad.
A passionate artist and motivated teacher, Mariam has a special talent for conveying the complex and challenging subtleties of Mali’s dance style to her students. She makes the challenge of unlocking Mali’s special heritage fun and rewarding. Mariam opens minds and pushes bodies to go beyond the possible. Her classes are informative and filled with valuable information that adds context and culture to the dances and songs. The grace and ease of her singing translates seamlessly into guided instruction for her students. In addition to being a master at her twin trades of song and dance, Mariam has proven herself hard working, down to earth, fun, honest, amicable, easy going, and a pleasure to work with! Live music provided by Orchestra Gold. |
MALI DRUM RHYTHMS
WITH JESSE SERVIN SUNDAY, 18 NOVEMBER SUNDAY, 02 DECEMBER 1:00-3:00pm Bring the rhythms of Mali into you body and soul! Join Jesse and explore new and familiar beats. Workshops open to all levels. Advance registration encouraged. Please bring your drum, if possible. Both Workshops ~ $35 Single Workshop (Advance Registration) ~ $20 At Door Drop In ~ $25 |
Don't Miss This Pop Up Senegalese Class!
Sabar Dance Workshop with Ndeye Gueye Sunday, October 7 ~ 2:30-4:00pm LIVE MUSIC ~ Only $20 at the Door Ndeye Gueye, a brilliant dancer and teacher from Senegal, has been teaching Sabar across the U.S. and internationally for many years. Her classes welcome all levels, from beginners to advanced! |
Afro Brazilian Contemporary Dance with Elisio Pitta
Saturday, September 1 ~ 2:30-4:00pm Two Workshops Added By Popular Request! PLEASE NOTE OF DATES/TIMES! Tuesday, September 11 ~ 8:30-10:00pm Saturday, September 15 ~ 2:30-4:30pm Pricing for Each Workshop $20 in Advance ~ $25 at the Door Join Us for this Inspiring and Beautiful Dance Workshop with a Remarkable Performer/Choreographer/Instructor!
Please Read Below for More Information |
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Don't Miss This Unique Dance Opportunity!
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Rio Samba and Forro & Samba de Gafieira Workshops
with Alvaro Reys
Rio Samba Workshop
Sunday, August 26, 2018 4:30 - 6:00pm Special samba no pé workshop with Alvaro Reys!! A master at breaking down concepts and steps, and at making dance accessible for everybody, join Alvaro Reys for an afternoon of SAMBA! $20 In Advance ~ $25 at the Door Forró & Samba de Gafieira Workshop
Tuesday, August 28, 2018 8:30 - 10:00pm Special Forró & Samba de Gafieira Workshop with Alvaro Reys! His only partner dance workshop in the bay! $20 In Advance ~ $25 at the Door |
Forró & Quadrilha Workshop Series with
master Marcelo Chocolate in July and August 2018
master Marcelo Chocolate in July and August 2018
Get the chance to perform at
SF Bay Brazilian Day & Lavagem on September 2nd!
This workshop series will include forró dance technique, as well as fun choreography in honor of Luiz Gonzaga -- the beloved King of Forró and this year's Lavagem honoree!
Drop ins welcome; performance not required to participate
$30 for a single workshop
$60 for the full series (buy two and get one free!)
SF Bay Brazilian Day & Lavagem on September 2nd!
This workshop series will include forró dance technique, as well as fun choreography in honor of Luiz Gonzaga -- the beloved King of Forró and this year's Lavagem honoree!
Drop ins welcome; performance not required to participate
$30 for a single workshop
$60 for the full series (buy two and get one free!)
Afro+Sambas Dance
by Irineu Nogueira
Special Abieié Afro+Sambas dance workshop with Irineu from Brazil via London // at BrasArte in Berkeley
on Saturdays August 4 and 11, 2018, from 14:30h-16:30h.
This intensive workshop will cover Afro-Brazilian dance expressions and Samba! Irineu will start with one hour of Abieié Afro-Brazilian Fusion with live music by Marcos Rodrigues, followed by one hour of Samba no Pé dance techniques.
All experience levels are welcome!
Saturday Dates/Time:
August 4 and 11, 2:30-4:30pm
Price: $25 for each workshop
by Irineu Nogueira
Special Abieié Afro+Sambas dance workshop with Irineu from Brazil via London // at BrasArte in Berkeley
on Saturdays August 4 and 11, 2018, from 14:30h-16:30h.
This intensive workshop will cover Afro-Brazilian dance expressions and Samba! Irineu will start with one hour of Abieié Afro-Brazilian Fusion with live music by Marcos Rodrigues, followed by one hour of Samba no Pé dance techniques.
All experience levels are welcome!
Saturday Dates/Time:
August 4 and 11, 2:30-4:30pm
Price: $25 for each workshop
Explore the Heart of Brazil!
Workshops will include Maracatu, Coco, Caboclinhos, Xaxado & Frevo!
Two or More Workshops Only $20 Each
Individual Workshops $25 Each
Workshops will include Maracatu, Coco, Caboclinhos, Xaxado & Frevo!
Two or More Workshops Only $20 Each
Individual Workshops $25 Each
Sunday, July 22, 2018
2:30-4:30pm ~ Only $25 Partner Dance Workshop with Rachel Mesquita We're so honored to have Brazilian dance legend Rachel Mesquita share her knowledge of partner dance technique. Rachel is a master teacher that has influenced a generation of Brazilian ballroom dancers. This special two hour workshop will explore body awareness/expression, connection, and autonomy of movement within a partner dance setting. First Hour: Playful/ludic exercises focused on expression within simple movement. Second Hour: Brazilian Partner dancing focused on autonomy of movement and gesture. |
SPECIAL DANCE WORKSHOP!
SUNDAY, JULY 8, 2018 ~ 2:30-4:00pm
MixBrasil Workshop
with Rodson de Jesus
Rodson de Jesus brings back his highly popular MixBrasil class for a special workshop!
MixBrasil combines high energy movement, dance technique, and a medley of Brazilian dance styles from Bahia to Rio. After a time living in his native Brazil, instructor Rodson de Jesus returns to the Bay with renewed spirits and a passion for dance!
Only $20!
with Rodson de Jesus
Rodson de Jesus brings back his highly popular MixBrasil class for a special workshop!
MixBrasil combines high energy movement, dance technique, and a medley of Brazilian dance styles from Bahia to Rio. After a time living in his native Brazil, instructor Rodson de Jesus returns to the Bay with renewed spirits and a passion for dance!
Only $20!
Rodson Santos de Jesus is a Brazilian native who has performed and taught all over the world. A former dancer with Balé Folclórico da Bahia and Dance Brazil, he is known for his energy and talent. Rodson has an extensive background in Afro-Brazilian and modern dance. The rich cultural environment of Salvador provided him with both the opportunity to continuously hone his skills, as well as teach and perform in a wide variety of settings. Rodson is both a dynamic performer and a dedicated teacher, beloved for his high-energy, inspiring classes and his patient ability to break down steps and share the art of dance with his students.
Explore the Heart of Brazil!
Workshops will include Maracatu, Coco, Caboclinhos, Xaxado & more!
Entire Series Only $60 ~ Individual Workshops $25 Each
Workshops will include Maracatu, Coco, Caboclinhos, Xaxado & more!
Entire Series Only $60 ~ Individual Workshops $25 Each
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Forró Workshop with Jonathan Barreto
Sunday, June 3, 2018 2:30-4:30pm ~ Only $25 Celebrate the start of Festa Junina season! Special two hour Forró workshop with Jonathan Barreto, straight from Rio!! He's only here for a short time, so don't miss this opportunity! Vamos forrozear ♥ Workshop will be broken into: 1 hour of Class 1 hour of pratica/free dance where Jonathan can answer all your forró related questions! |
Jonathan Barreto has been a dancer for 17 years: member of dance companies like Valdeci de Souza, Alvaro Reys, and Pares escola de danca under the direction of Marcelo Moragas. Also a dancer with TV Globo, by far Brazil's largest television company since 2012. Winner of "comissao de frente" of Estacio mirim. In Brazil, known for his charismatic and easy going teaching style, Jonathan teaches forro, samba no pe, samba de gafieira, salsa, zouk, and tango!
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Silvestre Technique Series w/ Vera Passos
A very unique opportunity: Three weeks of Silvestre training with master instructor Vera Passos! Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:30-9:45pm March 13, 15, 20, and 27,2018 $16 drop in ~ $48 full series ($12 per class) Orixa Movement Workshops w/ Vera Passos Exploring Afro-Brazilian Orixa symbology with master instructor Vera Passos! March 18th & April 1, 2018 2:30-4pm $20 each |
"100 years of Samba" Workshop w/ Perla Gomes
Travel through 100 years of samba evolution with Madrid based Brazilian samba dancer Perla Gomes for one workshop only! Warm up with samba coco, samba de roda, and samba no pe, then move into the world of partner dancing with samba de gafieira and samba rock. March 18th 5-7pm $25 |
Yemanja Arts Workshop Weekend
Saturday, February 17, 2018 ~ 2:30-4:00pm Sunday, February 18, 2018 ~ 4:00-7:00pm Saturday, February 17, 2018 2:30-4:00pm ~ Elisio Pitta Sunday, February 18, 2018 4:00-5:30pm ~ Elisio Pitta 5:30-7:00pm ~ Dandha Da Hora $25 single, $40 for two [$20 per class], $45 for all [$15 per class] |
Joe Ferreira, The Rio Dancer, Workshops!
Brazilian Rhythms Workshop Sunday, October 29, 2017 ~ 2:30-5:30pm ~ $20 (Please wear comfortable shoes) Known for mastering a variety of dancing styles, Joe Ferreira made a name for himself in the dancing community in Brazil. He is a true representative of Latin rhythms. His style of dance travels deep into the roots of Latin dances, keeping their curvy lines and original moves. The goal is to provide a different experience to the attendees, so that they´ll feel the passion of the Latin rhythms. JOE FERREIRA WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE LESSONS FROM OCT 28th thru NOV 1st ~ SCHEDULE YOUR CLASS IN ADVANCE at 510-528-1958 (Samba de Gafieira, Argentine Tango, Zouk, Bachata, Bolero, Forró, Cuban Salsa, Milonga, etc) |
Samba Workshops w/ Alvaro Reys
October 7 ~ 22, 2017 Sunday, October 22nd Workshop from 3:00-4:30pm at Shotgun Studios, 1201 University Ave, Berkeley (on the corner between Curtis and Chestnut Sts) Limited Special Workshops w/ Samba Master Alvaro Reys! (Samba no Pé): ~ master slow-fast samba rhythms ~ moving in space with samba ~ corporal lines: elongated, bends, curves Oct 7 ~ 2:30-4pm Basics- Building a Foundation Oct 8 ~ 2:30-4pm Samba & Embellishment Oct 22 ~ 4-5:30pm Choreography & more **Participation in all three workshops highly recommended, but not required** $60 for all three workshops ~ $35 for a single workshop (call 510.528.1958 to register in advance) |
Brazilian Dance Intensive w/ Marcelo Chocolate
September 16 ~ October 15, 2017 Samba no Pe & Samba de Gafieira Intensives with one of the biggest stars in the Brazilian dance world! One month of in depth workshops with focus on intricate footwork, style, and context/history. It is highly recommended that dancers attend full series, each class will build on the next. Participation includes a possible performance opportunity (more info coming soon). Register online or in person at BrasArte. All levels welcome. Samba no Pe Saturdays 2:30-4pm (9/16, 9/23, 9/30, [NO CLASS 10/7] 10/14) Samba de Gafieira (Partner Samba) Sundays 2:30-4pm (9/17, 9/24, 10/1, [NO CLASS 10/8] 10/15) $35 drop in $80 ($20 per class) series |
Song Series with Magareth Menezes
August 29 and 30 & September 1, 2017 "Menezes remains one of the most dynamic and popular of the contemporary Brazilian artists achieving international recognition." (Wikipedia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margareth_Menezes]) Where: 5224 Redondo Ave, Oakland When: 6:30-8:00pm $30 for Single Workshop $60 for Complete Series Call BrasArte (510 528 1958) to Reserve Your Space |
Rio Samba Queens Workshop with Egili Oliveira
Saturday, September 02, 2017 Egili Oliveira, top passista, Queen and Muse of Brazil's Rio samba community will be offering a special Passista/Rainha Workshop for Bay Area samba lovers for all levels: from beginners to professionals! Join Egili, and learn Samba no pé styling straight from a Sao Clemente Musa and expert on Rio Carnaval! 2:30-4:30pm ~ $30 in Advance or $40 at the Door |
Samba de Caboclo with
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Four-Week Dance Residency with Vera Passos
SILVESTRE TECHNIQUE
Beg Silvestre Technique ~ Tuesdays ~ 8:30-10:00pm February 21 & 28 and March 7 Int/Adv Silvestre Technique ~ Thursdays ~ 12:30-2:30pm February 23 and March 2, 9 Beginning Silvestre Technique ~ Learn the foundations of this beautiful Brazilian Contemporary dancer's training technique with Master Teacher, Vera Passos. Developed by Rosangela Silvestre of Salvador, Bahia, Silvestre Technique provides a rich foundation for all movers. In this class we will develop our physical capacities, discover our unique expression, and tap into the source which inspires us to dance. This class is open to all. No experience required. This is a rare opportunity. Join us!
Intermediate/Advanced Silvestre Technique ~ Dive into Silvestre Training with Master Instructor Vera Passos of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Silvestre Technique is a Contemporary dancer's training technique informed by dance science and inspired by the qualties and symbols of nature. These classes are sure to inspire you to reach higher in your physical, expressive, and intuitive capacities. Recommended for dancers with at least intermediate experience in Ballet, Modern, or Contemporary. Join us as BrasArte welcomes Vera for her first extended residency in the Bay Area. |
ORIXA MOVEMENT AND SAMBA DE CABOCLO
Saturdays and Sundays ~ 2:30-4:00pm
February 25 and 26 March 4, 5, 11 and 12 |
Universal Drumming Class ~
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Samba & Gafieira Classes/Workshop with Preta Nascimento:
Preta is an internationally recognized samba and ballroom dancer-- longtime dance partner to Carlinhos de Jesus and samba inspiration to many Brazilians. A true artist.
Gafieira:
Thursday 10/27/16 8:30PM
Sunday 10/30/16 10:30AM
$15 drop in & class cards accepted
Samba no Pe:
Saturday 10/29/16 2:30-4:30PM
$20 2 hr workshop
Preta & Aninha Malandro (who will be teaching samba Sunday 10/30/16 11:30am!!) will also be performing at Brasarte's Annual Brazilian Halloween Party, so definitely check that out!
Preta is an internationally recognized samba and ballroom dancer-- longtime dance partner to Carlinhos de Jesus and samba inspiration to many Brazilians. A true artist.
Gafieira:
Thursday 10/27/16 8:30PM
Sunday 10/30/16 10:30AM
$15 drop in & class cards accepted
Samba no Pe:
Saturday 10/29/16 2:30-4:30PM
$20 2 hr workshop
Preta & Aninha Malandro (who will be teaching samba Sunday 10/30/16 11:30am!!) will also be performing at Brasarte's Annual Brazilian Halloween Party, so definitely check that out!
Classes and Workshops with Marcos
METHODOLOGY The percussion workshops consists in: 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. At the end of each course is exploring the possibility of a presentation of the students showing all the rhythmic influences learned during classes.
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About Marcos Rodrigues Bispo dos Santos
Born in Salvador - Bahia, in the neighborhood Engenho Velho, the oldest district with many historic values related to african descendant culture such as Candomblé (gegi, Ketu, Angola and Nago). Religion consecrated by worship led by ogans. Providing a Yorubana Family Ketu nation, he had his musical start listening and learning of the touches that are derived from candomblecistas drums. At 16 he joined the group "Bahia Magia" and "Banda do Pelô", created and coordinated by the great artist Edfran, nationally and internationally acclaimed musician. With a successful European tour, percussionist Marcos Rodrigues, named Marcos Odara, traveled and improved his musical knowledge in the course of 14 years, working abroad and acquiring learning African rhythms, Cuban and Western Pop. Rome (1992), Marcos Odara was teacher of percussion at an institute called TIMBA - Percussion Center. Returning to Brazil, he played with distinguished artists such as Geronimo. Arranger, singer and composer of many hits such as "É d'Oxum", "Julialá", "Salve as Folhas", among others. With Daniela Mercury, he recorded the album "Feijão de Corda". In 1998 he formed the group "Bragada" conducted by another great percussionist Tony Mola. After 4 years, Marcos Odara came to Rio de Janeiro, where he developed socias work in the cultural center Oju Oba Axe, creating an ideal methodology for teaching percussion to children and young people living in the problem of social marginalization. Also in Rio made participation with stars such as Mad Professor and in São Paulo with Don Carlos. He worked with the band of Edu Ribeiro, with the project “Ação Social” and African Ballet groups. He was professor of drums and percussion on Drums School Jorge Casa Grande in the center of Rio de Janeiro. Creator of a great reggae band called the "Cocôs" where he played drums and composed his songs. In September 2014, he was selected to attend the Budwiser Concert in NY and California. Mark Odara is a talented musician, skilled and prepared to exercise their profession in a successful and functional way.
Born in Salvador - Bahia, in the neighborhood Engenho Velho, the oldest district with many historic values related to african descendant culture such as Candomblé (gegi, Ketu, Angola and Nago). Religion consecrated by worship led by ogans. Providing a Yorubana Family Ketu nation, he had his musical start listening and learning of the touches that are derived from candomblecistas drums. At 16 he joined the group "Bahia Magia" and "Banda do Pelô", created and coordinated by the great artist Edfran, nationally and internationally acclaimed musician. With a successful European tour, percussionist Marcos Rodrigues, named Marcos Odara, traveled and improved his musical knowledge in the course of 14 years, working abroad and acquiring learning African rhythms, Cuban and Western Pop. Rome (1992), Marcos Odara was teacher of percussion at an institute called TIMBA - Percussion Center. Returning to Brazil, he played with distinguished artists such as Geronimo. Arranger, singer and composer of many hits such as "É d'Oxum", "Julialá", "Salve as Folhas", among others. With Daniela Mercury, he recorded the album "Feijão de Corda". In 1998 he formed the group "Bragada" conducted by another great percussionist Tony Mola. After 4 years, Marcos Odara came to Rio de Janeiro, where he developed socias work in the cultural center Oju Oba Axe, creating an ideal methodology for teaching percussion to children and young people living in the problem of social marginalization. Also in Rio made participation with stars such as Mad Professor and in São Paulo with Don Carlos. He worked with the band of Edu Ribeiro, with the project “Ação Social” and African Ballet groups. He was professor of drums and percussion on Drums School Jorge Casa Grande in the center of Rio de Janeiro. Creator of a great reggae band called the "Cocôs" where he played drums and composed his songs. In September 2014, he was selected to attend the Budwiser Concert in NY and California. Mark Odara is a talented musician, skilled and prepared to exercise their profession in a successful and functional way.
Afro Brasilian Dance
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DANCE RESIDENCY WITH KIMBERLY MIGUEL MULLEN
World Dance Fusion leader, Kimberly Miguel Mullen offers inspirational and spirited dance classes and workshops - AXÉ (vital force energy): AfroBrazilian Music & Dance Classes. Mullen, who is renowned for her innovative approach towards connecting Afro-Diasporic movement traditions from the Caribbean and Brasil, will guide students through a creative interplay between sacred dance steps. She has created a unique Afro-signature style that is rooted in her training in Orixa music and dance techniques. Come and experience the “Pure Joy” of dancing! All fitness and skill levels welcome. |
Samba Reggae/ Samba Regional with Slleyk da Bahia
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SLLEYK DA BAHIA
www.slleykdabahia.com slleykdabahia@gmail.com Slleyk da Bahia is a professional dance teacher and artist from Salvador Bahia, the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture. He comes from a Physical Education background at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA). Since 2001 Slleyk has been working with Olodum as their principal choreographer and dance instructor. He started his career working for Olodum’s Non-Profit School (Escola de Olodum) teaching dance and percussion to underprivileged at risk kids. He also worked along side Nem Brito of Dance Brazil (http://dancebrazil.org/) teaching dance in the Diaspora Center for the Arts in Salvador, Bahia. ~ Throughout his career he as worked with non-profit organizations, universities, and private schools in the arts department. He specializes in Brazilian dances styles such as Samba, Samba Reggae, and Afro-Brazilian. ~ “So Alegria”, Slleyk’s personal motto means only happiness or “It’s All Good!” Slleyk believes in promoting happiness through his dance and to those that dance with him. He was featured on the Travel Channel "Dance the World: BRAZIL" with Jaycee Gossett. Slleyk da Bahia regularly offers workshops and dance classes for big companies such as FORD and travels around the world teaching and performing. His was most recently seen in Switzerland for the SambaFest in Nyon: http://www.sambafest-switzerland.com/pt/. He has also been seen in the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, Poland and Portugal. |
Shefali Shah
For over 16 years Shefali Shah has dedicated herself to the study, practice, and education of Bomba music and dance. Shefali is a dance instructor, choreographer, performing artist, and environmental justice educator. She trained extensively and performed with members of the legendary Cepeda Family at “Maestros de Bomba en la Bahía” (2005 and 2007) an event that she co-founded and co-produced, featuring master drummers and dancers from Puerto Rico. She performed at the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival in 2004 and was featured at the West Wave Dance Festival in 2008. For four years she served as Artistic Director and Choreographer for performing group Cacique y Kongo. In July 2011, Shefali co-produced “Maestros de Plena y Bomba en la Bahia,” featuring Los Pleneros de la 21 and Alma Moyo, an event that culminated in a full house groundbreaking performance at the Brava Theatre in San Francisco. Shefali is a principal dancer and choreographer with Hector Lugo and La Mixta Criolla. She directs Aguacero, a performance and education project focusing on the traditions and contemporary creative expressions of Puerto Rican Bomba music and dance. She is the co-director of The Bomba y Plena Workshop based at La Peña Cultural Center and she co-directs Quenepas, a Bomba youth ensemble. Shefali teaches weekly Bomba dance classes for adults and youth and presents at schools, universities, and festivals throughout California. Shefali leads dance workshops and performance rehearsals teaching basic steps, and techniques and strategies for executing creative and rhythmical improvised movements. Shefali also trains in Odissi, a classical Indian dance form from Orissa, India with Guru Sri Vishnu Tattva Das, and performs with Bay Area’s Odissi Vilas. |
Puerto Rican Bomba Workshop with Shefali Shah
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WISE UP YOUR WARM-UP!
EMBODIED AWARENESS WORKSHOP FOR DANCERS and CAPOEIRISTAS
SUNDAY, TBA 2016 • 3:30 - 5:30pm • WORLD DANCE CENTER
ONLY ADVANCE REGISTRATION SAVES 15-42%
1901 San Pablo Ave. Berkeley, CA 94702 • CALL TO PRE-REGISTER: (510) 528-1958
$20 IF YOU REGISTER BY THURSDAY, TBA • $30 IF YOU REGISTER BY THURSDAY, TBA • $35 AT THE DOOR
NOTE:
ALL LEVELS WELCOME • WEAR LOOSE, COMFORTABLE CLOTHING • BRING MAT & TOWEL • REFRAIN FROM WEARING SCENTS
$20 IF YOU REGISTER BY THURSDAY, TBA • $30 IF YOU REGISTER BY THURSDAY, TBA • $35 AT THE DOOR
NOTE:
ALL LEVELS WELCOME • WEAR LOOSE, COMFORTABLE CLOTHING • BRING MAT & TOWEL • REFRAIN FROM WEARING SCENTS
Engage in gentle, therapeutic
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Instructor: Melissa Ayres, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher® was born into a family of professional performing artists who used The
Feldenkrais Method® to improve the attention to their work and physical flow on the stage. Her teaching style is informed by a background in fitness, wellness, dance, and voice/musical training. Melissa provides both a scientific understanding and an intuitive sense of the body and how it works. She takes each student’s individual abilities into account while facilitating the group learning process in a non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere. She has taught this work extensively across diverse populations and settings throughout New York and California since 1996. |
WE HOPE TO OFFER THESE SPECIAL WORKSHOPS IN 2018
African Griot Music and Dance Workshops
with Mandjou Kone
Sunday Date to be Announced
3:30-6:00pm

Experience the Dance, Drums and Songs of Mali with a Talented Artist!
Music ~ 3:30-4:30pm
Dance ~ 4:30-6:00pm
Dance and Music Workshops $30
Dance Workshop Only $20
Music Workshop Only $15
Mandjou Koné was born and raised in West Africa in the countries of Mali and Burkina Faso. She was born into the Koné family, a well-known Griot Family. The Griots people of West Africa are world renown for their unique ability to record events carefully and accurately, passing history from one generation to the other. One cannot learn to become a Griot; rather one is born into it. Being a Griot there is a responsibility to preserve the culture. .... As a young girl Mandjou assisted her Griot father in keeping his band alive by singing, dancing and playing instruments like the Djembe, Bala, Dundun, Kora and Tama. She also danced and performed with the National Ballet of Burkina Faso.
Music ~ 3:30-4:30pm
Dance ~ 4:30-6:00pm
Dance and Music Workshops $30
Dance Workshop Only $20
Music Workshop Only $15
Mandjou Koné was born and raised in West Africa in the countries of Mali and Burkina Faso. She was born into the Koné family, a well-known Griot Family. The Griots people of West Africa are world renown for their unique ability to record events carefully and accurately, passing history from one generation to the other. One cannot learn to become a Griot; rather one is born into it. Being a Griot there is a responsibility to preserve the culture. .... As a young girl Mandjou assisted her Griot father in keeping his band alive by singing, dancing and playing instruments like the Djembe, Bala, Dundun, Kora and Tama. She also danced and performed with the National Ballet of Burkina Faso.