Are You Brazilian?

Beleza Presents its 5th Anniversary Party 1/14/12

2012-01-02T21:39:00.001-05:00

Celebrate Beleza's 5th Anniversary
Saturday January 14th 11:00pm to 4:00am
Le Poisson Rouge
158 BLEECKER Street
New York, NY 10012

COVER:
$15 TKTS Online & DOOR TIL 12am / $20.00 AFTER 12am
Age 21+

Beleza NYC will be celebrating it’s 5th Year Anniversary the way we like it: with live music from one of the best Brazilian Bands in New York City and with some of our finest DJs spinning the latest in world music. Featuring Artist Antonio Bokel from FB Gallery.

Come celebrate our Anniversary and start the year the right way!!

Live Band: DAVI VIEIRA presents HIP HOP Axé

Special performance LIVE+ DJ SET by DJ ANANÉ VEGA spinning the best in World Music.

DJ Greg Caz spinning: Samba, Broken beat, Salsa, Soulful House, Forró,
Funk, Hip Hop, Reggae & House music and etc…

Saturday January 14th 11:00pm to 4:00am

Le Poisson Rouge
158 BLEECKER Street
New York, NY 10012

COVER:
$15 TKTS Online & DOOR TIL 12am / $20.00 AFTER 12am
Age 21+

Beleza presents its 1st Brazilian Loft Party

2011-10-27T14:04:00.010-04:00

Get on Leticia's List for this Invite Only Loft Event. Sign up for Leticia's email list or email Leticia.

Beleza Presents
Brazilian Loft Party
Saturday November 5, 2011
623 Broadway between W. Houston and Bleecker Street
8:00pm to 4:30am
on Leticia's List:
$10 until 9:00pm (come early!) & $15 until 11:00pm
$20 after 11:00pm

-Live Bands
-DJ's (listen)
-Live Percussion
-Art Exhibit

$10 until 9:00pm\\$15 until 11:00pm -- say you're on Leticia's List.

Missed Beleza's last party? See some of it here:

BELEZA NYC 2011 PROMO 1 from belezanyc on Vimeo.

It's Time for Carnaval

2011-09-21T17:20:00.001-04:00

Another song I use in class:

"It's Time for Carnival" from album Struck by Lightning (1989 Venture Records) Airto Moreira.

Airto Moreira's website

Mas Que Nada

2011-09-20T23:56:00.001-04:00

A classic Brazilian tune updated. Used this song in class tonight and you loved it! Enjoy. (Single by Sérgio Mendes featuring The Black Eyed Peas
from the album Timeless, 2006)

The original "Mas Que Nada" is by living legend Jorge Ben (formerly known as Jorge Ben Jor). Ben wrote and performed the song in 1963. The song became Sergio Mendes' signature around 1966.

"Mas Que Nada" is Brazilian Portuguese slang, literally meaning "but, that [is] nothing". The figure of speech means "come on", "no way", or "Yeah, right!".

Sources:
Song history, meaning - Wikipedia
Videos - YouTube
More on Jorge Ben - Músicabrasileira.org

Brazilian Day NYC 2011

2011-08-20T00:34:00.000-04:00

Brazilian Day 2011 is coming...

Lavagem da Rua 46 - information on Brazil Week 2011, cultural activities, parade and more. If you would like to take part in the parade, go to this link and find contact info there. (The fabulous Silvana Magda heads the Lavagem and related happenings, now in its 4th year. Until her efforts there really was no official parade or place for local Brazilian artists to showcase their talents as part of Brazilian Day. Thanks, Magda!)

Brazilian Day NYC 2011 - official Brazilian Day NYC website. Go to very bottom of home page for English link. Going into it's 27th year, the event is one of NYC's largest and the largest Brazilian event outside of Brazil. See website for more history, event calendar including performances, sponsors, and more.

Sample Series II: Looking for the Perfect Beat in Samba: "A Procura da Batida Perfeita"

2011-08-05T00:44:00.001-04:00

(This post is the second installment in my Sample Series)

My students were asking what song we have been dancing to in class the past few weeks. Here it is:

"A Procura da Batida Perfeita" by Marcelo D2 (on A Procura da Batida Perfeita, Sony BMG Brasil, 2003)

A Procura da Batida Perfeita means "looking for the perfect beat"; probably a reference to Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force's "Looking for the Perfect Beat" (single released 1983 from Planet Rock).

"A Procura da Batida Perfeita" starts out telling the story of an artist who makes it big and becomes focused on pursuing material wealth and status, of which D2 is critical. He puts himself in opposition to the materialistic type saying it's not money that makes him happy ("não é um saco de dinheiro que me deixa feliz"). Instead D2 states he is about staying true to the music, committed to the roots of samba and hip hop. As the hook says, "Eu vou no samba, a procura da batida perfeita" (I go through samba to look for the perfect beat).

Some of my Brazilian friends are critical of D2 saying he is not really as "true" or genuine a part of Brazilian hip hop culture as other equally talented yet less internationally recognized rap acts like DMN (the founder of which happens to be currently based in the Bronx and is a personal friend of mine, Eli Efi), Racionais MCs or Rappin' Hood.

But this may be a subject for another post...for now, enjoy "A Procura da Batida Perfeita".

Lyrics aside, I can't deny that the production on this track is really quite nice. Personnel: produced and mixed by Davi Corcos; bass: Kool G Murder; drums: Mamão; percussion: Tuca; moog: Davi Corcos; scratching: Mixmastermike; sample: "Bonfa Nova" by Luiz Bonfá (Universal Music).

(My fellow music heads may find it interesting that Luiz Bonfá's guitar was sampled by late producer Jay Dee for California-based hip hop group The Pharcyde. See my 10/24/2010 Sample Series post on this)

Leticia with A-List's Mike Ruiz at Meoko Launch 7/18/11

2011-07-19T17:23:00.004-04:00

I danced with A-List's Mike Ruiz for the Meoko Vodka launch at Thompson and Watts Streets yesterday (7/18/11). Dancing on the street to Ivo and Manhattan Samba's rhythms in 90-degree weather felt like a little slice of Rio! I definitely made the most of it and spread the samba love all around that corner in the midst of rush-hour traffic. Thanks all! (The video doesn't show that this was the fastest costume change ever!)

Leticia dancing Samba with A-List's Mike Ruiz. Photo credit: gazeLLe Paulo

(NYC) Beleza NYC presents SAMBA 7/22

2011-07-13T19:38:00.001-04:00

BELEZA NYC presents SAMBA
Friday July 22nd
at
Canal Room
10:00pm - 4:30am
285 West Broadway
New York NY 10013

$5 before 11:30pm, say LETICIA'S LIST at the door!
$10 before Midnight, $15 after

*LIVE BRAZILIAN BAND : Cesar Vieira and MISTURA PERFEITA

*DJ David Medina spinning Samba, MPB, Afro Brazilian, Axe, Salsa, Forro all the world music.
Also

*DJ Beto spinning Baile Funk, Batucada, Dancehall, Reggaeton, Mambo & Mash-ups!!!

*SPECIAL performance by: ALE ALE DRUMMERS and JUSTIN JUSTIN "aka TOCA"

*First hour drink specials: Caipirinhas and Mojitos!!!

*If JULY is your birthday month – Facebook(http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148012491917728) and let Beleza know – they’ll provide you some special treats and a birthday you wont forget!

2011 Photo Business Card

2011-06-08T17:38:00.004-04:00

I put some of my favorite samba photos into my new samba photo business card. Thanks to the excellent and generous photographers (from left: Zander Price; Zander Price; David Preta; Stan Rifken).

Inspiration: "Nao Me Deixe So", Vanessa da Mata

2011-06-01T20:43:00.012-04:00

This song came out on Vanessa da Mata's self-titled 2002 album.
I recently discovered it. Thank goodness! Using it in class for next two weeks. Hope you like it as much as I do. Enjoy!

"Nao Me Deixe So"

Vanessa da Mata's website

Leticia with Manhattan Samba: "Latin Fusion", 4/8/2011

2011-04-28T17:42:00.002-04:00

Manhattan Samba's bateria led by Ivo Araujo and Samba Dancers (in order of solo) Thays Barcelos, Nubia Santos, and Leticia Taylor. "Latin Fusion" show at Long Island University, Brooklyn NY. April 8, 2011.

Slideshow: Latin Fusion 2011

2011-04-23T22:16:00.002-04:00

Photos from "Latin Fusion" performance at Long Island University in Brooklyn. April 8, 2011. Dancers: Leticia Taylor, Nubia Santos, Thays Barcelos; percussion ensemble: Manhattan Samba; capoeira: Abadá Capoeira. (Photos by Zander Price, Pablo Bermudez and Lafi Diego).

Return I Will to Old Brazil

2011-04-18T20:08:00.000-04:00

A brazilian friend put me on to this. I love it when a remake is well done.

New Class Playlist 03.28.11

2011-03-30T12:43:00.025-04:00

These are some songs I'm using in my latest class playlist. There are a variety of rhythms here from diverse regions of Brazil. Enjoy!

"Dou a Vida Por Um Beijo" by Raça Negra
"Boa Hora" by Alessandra Leão (see Are You Brazilian?, 9/12/10, "Mais Um Discos")
"Carimbó Pra Maria"(Lucio K Remix) by Mestre Curica (see Are You Brazilian?, 9/12/10, "Mais Um Discos")

See Mais Um Discos online
-------------------------------------
Listen to tracks from Mais Um Discos:
Are You Brazilian?, 9/12/10, "Mais Um Discos"

Mais Um Discos

Long Island Univerity's Latinos Unidos presents Latin Fusion

2011-03-30T12:23:00.000-04:00

Leticia + Manhattan Samba at LIU's Latin Fusion | Friday April 8th | Ticket sales support cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Come check out an eclectic show featuring a variety of local Latin performers including a performance by yours truly with Manhattan Samba!
Latin Fusion is an annual concert produced by LIU's student organization, Latinos Unidos, to celebrate the rich diverse rhythms and sounds of Latin America. This year's concert will feature local artists performing Bomba from Puerto Rico, authentic New York City salsa, the sounds of Afro-Cuba, and the exciting movements of Capoeira and Flamenco.
AND all ticket proceeds from Latin Fusion go to cancer research! Latin Fusion organizer Gregory Stein will participate in the 2011 Nautica NYC Triathlon with Fred's Team, a program of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Click here for details.

Latin Fusion
Friday April 8, 2011
7:30pm
Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts
Long Island University Campus
Brooklyn
Flatbush Ave and DeKalb Ave
$15 | $10 for students
Purchase tickets online at www.kumbletheater.org
All ticket sales aid in the fight against cancer! Click here for details.

Seu Jorge in "The Model: Oshun & the Dream"

2010-12-16T18:32:00.002-05:00

"The Model: Oshun and the Dream" from Now-Again on Vimeo.

"Now-Again Records and What Matters Most present the second episode of a the two part film based on the recently released Seu Jorge and Almaz album by Brazilian singer and actor Seu Jorge. "The Model: Oshun and the Dream," stars Jorge as he continues to struggle with this echoing image of "The Model"..."

Directed & Edited by Kahlil Joseph
Photography by Bradford Young
Music by Seu Jorge and Almaz
Produced by Omid Fatemi and Daniel Song for What Matters Most
Featuring music from the Now-Again Records album Seu Jorge and Almaz

http://vimeo.com/17425295

The Model ft. Seu Jorge

2010-11-10T17:40:00.002-05:00

I got this link from a tweet. It's a short film directed by Khalil Joseph featuring singer/musician/actor Seu Jorge. The video features a cover of Roy Ayers' "Everybody Loves The Sunshine," Martinho da Vila and Joao de Aquino's "Cirandar," and Kraftwerk's "The Model."

Samples Series: Jay Dee's "Runnin' " and Luiz Bonfá's "Saudade Vem Correndo"

2010-10-24T02:49:00.009-04:00

Little did I know when I first heard this song that legendary hip hop producer Jay Dee sampled "Saudades Vem Correndo", a song composed by Luiz Bonfá and Maria Toledo:

Acclaimed Detroit-born hip hop producer Jay Dee sampled Bonfá's guitar from the song "Saudade Vem Correndo" (Jazz Samba Encore!, 1963) on his track, "Runnin' " (Labcabincalifornia, The Pharcyde, 1995). It seems to be a fairly well-known sample based on my YouTube research. Jay Dee (Dilla) is amazing, yes. Guitarist Luiz Bonfá is quite amazing himself, as he played melody, rhythm, and bass at the same time on the guitar, and that's exactly the part of the song that Dilla highlighted in his sample. This is perhaps the most satisfying part for me - Bonfá's guitar really makes the song.

More on Bonfá:
Japanese fan site - English; info, discography with album cover photos
Dicionário Cravo Albin da Música Popular Brasileira - Portuguese; bio, discography, more

More on Jay Dee:
Wikipedia - English; bio, discography

Samba Mixtape 4 Track List

2010-10-23T21:52:00.000-04:00

Here's the track list to the Samba Mixtape I've been using in my classes lately.

Tudo Bem Malandro, Curumin
Ilê Aiyê, Gilberto Gil
Funk da Umbigada, Saravah Soul
O Carnaval Quem É Que Faz, Baiana System
Eu Bebo Sim, Monobloco
Carolina, Seu Jorge
O Morro Não Engana, Clube do Balanço
Mussum, Saravah Soul
Chega no Suingue, Seu Jorge
Te Queria, Seu Jorge
O Samba Tai, Seu Jorge
Pequines e Pitbull, Seu Jorge
Mangueira, Seu Jorge
Na Madrugada, Seu Jorge
Funk Baby, Seu Jorge
Balança, Chernobyl & Praga
Dama Tereza, Instituto & Sabotage

Sabotage e Instituto - DAMA TEREZA

2010-10-07T15:48:00.002-04:00

saiba mais sobre o rapper brasileiro Sabotage:

Sabotage
Biografía CMI Brasil
Biografía em Basta Clicar
Biografía em Dicionário Cravo Albin da Música Popular Brasileira

Saravah Soul

2010-09-28T17:49:00.000-04:00

Found this on baixafunda, an excellent music blog (in Portuguese)
Brazilian rhythms meet afrobeat, funk, & soul! (I only had time to put a few of my favorite tracks up so far).

"Exploding out of the rich cultural melting-pot of London’s underground music scene comes the half-Brazilian, half-British, Afro-Brazilian Funk sound of Saravah Soul."

The album is on the London-based TruThoughts label.

Get your own Flash MP3 Player

Katherine Dunham

2010-09-27T18:02:00.003-04:00

Katherine Dunham was an American dancer, choreographer, songwriter, author, educator and activist who was trained as an anthropologist. Dunham had one of the most successful dance careers in American and European theater of the 20th century ...read more

Ned Williams will host a Dunham Technique workshop on Sunday October 10, 2010 at PMT Dance Studio in Manhattan. I highly encourage anyone who is interested in the dances of Africa and the African diaspora to attend.

What is the Dunham Technique?
A blend of African & Caribbean movement (flexible torso and spine; articulated pelvis; isolation of the limbs; and polyrhythmic movement) integrated with techniques of ballet and modern dance.

Dunham Technique Workshop
October 10, 2010 | 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
hosted by Ned Williams

Beginner Class ($20) 11:00 am - 1:00 pm | Prerequisite: no dance training necessary

The class supports the beginning student by providing a constructive warm-up through guidance on healthy body movement and coordination as well as a strong emphasis on basic placement and alignment. Learn the fundamentals of Dunham techniques such as Dunham flatback, body isolations and head rolls in a positive and supportive atmosphere.

Advanced Class ($20) 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm | Prerequisite: at least 2 years technique dance training

This class supports the advanced student with concentration on Dunham combinations across the floor, intense bar work and fluid body movement. It encourages students to develop an in-depth understanding of movement as well as meaningful appreciation of Dunham technique in a positive and supportive atmosphere.

at PMT Dance Studio
69 West 14th Street at 6th Ave, 3rd Floor
NY, NY

Clara Nunes

2010-09-27T14:25:00.003-04:00

My friend and dance partner Larisa introduced me to a Brazilian street vendor from Cachoeira, Bahia up in Harlem near the Apollo Theater on Sunday. He recommended a greatest hits compilation containing songs by one of his favorite Brazilian vocalists, Clara Nunes. I included links to some of my favorite tracks on the album below (click on song title to listen):

Juizo Final
Canto das Tres Raças
Tudo é Ilusão
Portela na Avenida

(Tracks from Clara Nunes Raizes do Samba series, Label: Msi Music/Super D, 2002)

Clara Nunes was a factory worker when she decided to compete in a music contest, placing third at the finals held in São Paulo in 1959. She got a day-job at a radio station in Belo Horizonte (capital of Minas Gerais, Southeast Brazil), and sang in nightclubs.

In 1965, Clara moved to Rio de Janeiro, recording boleros (Spanish music made for dancing) and samba songs on her first album. After a few LPs featuring assorted styles, she signed her name as a samba vocalist in the 70s. In 1974, her album sold approximately 300,000 copies, thanks to the hit samba "Conto de Areia" (Romildo/ Toninho). It was a remarkable number then, helping put down the common idea that women weren't big record sellers and stimulating the companies to invest in other female samba musicians, like Alcione, who made her first album in '75, and Beth Carvalho, hired by RCA in '76.

The following albums transformed her into one of the three samba queens of the '80s, along with the two above-mentioned musicians. In the second half of the decade, she would release one album every year, all of them selling well and featuring historic tracks like "Juízo Final" (Nelson Cavaquinho/ Élcio Soares), "Coração Leviano" (Paulinho da Viola) and "Morena de Angola" (Chico Buarque).

Clara was also famous for songs crafted upon the rhythms of Candomblé, her African-Brazilian religion, and for her typical costumes, as she always dressed in white and wore lots of necklaces and African beads. She died prematurely, after a botched surgery, causing a popular outcry.

(Source: National Geographic Music, http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/view/page.basic/artist/content.artist/clara_nunes_16312/en_US)

Mombojó - Papapa

2010-09-14T23:39:00.001-04:00

I like the choreography in this video--there's some old-school hip hop moves (specifically popping, I believe) and even a little samba. Found out about it through Mais Um Gringo's Blog. The video is nominated for MTV Brazil Clipe do Ano (Video of the Year Award).

Mais Um Discos

2010-09-12T18:05:00.000-04:00

<a href="http://maisumdiscos.bandcamp.com/album/oi-a-nova-musica-brasileira">Oi! A Nova Musica Brasileira! by Mais Um</a>

Compiler Mais Um Gringo explains how the album came about: “All the Brazilian compilations I found either offered a tired mix of nu-bossa and nu-samba or were titles covering niche genres like baile-funk. I was looking for an album that provided an overview of the most exciting new Brazilian music across all genres”

Samba Percussion Lesson

2010-09-11T21:35:00.002-04:00

From Apavoramento

Brazilian Day NYC 2010

2010-09-02T12:42:00.000-04:00

The big day is coming....Brazilian Day NYC 2010!
Catch me in the official opening procession for Brazilian Day, the Lavagem da Rua 46 this Saturday September 4th. Hint: I'll be in the Rio de Janeiro section wearing a Carmen Miranda outfit...

LAVAGEM DA RUA 46 (official Brazilian Day opening parade & cultural festival)
Saturday 9/4
Parade:
10am to 12pm
from 44th St & 6th Ave to 46th St and Madison Ave
Rain or shine
Free & open to public

BRAZILIAN DAY
Sunday 9/5
11am to 7pm
43rd St to 57th St
between Madison & 8th Aves
Main stage at 43th Street and 6th Avenue
Second stage 46th Street between 5th and Madison
Rain or shine
Free & open to public

Upcoming Performances

2010-09-02T12:00:00.000-04:00

||SATURDAY 9/4|| Lavagem da Rua 46 (Official Brazilian Day opening parade and cultural festival)
Parade:
10:00am to 12:00pm
44th Street and 6th Ave to 46th Street and Madison Ave

Festival:
12:00pm to 6:00pm
46th & Madison Ave

||WEDNESDAY 9/8|| The Brazilian Boat Cruise
||WEDNESDAY 9/15|| The Brazilian Boat Cruise

Boarding: 6:30pm
Sailing: 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Where: Pier #40 – West Houston Street & West Side Highway
Description: This after-work party sizzles with a performance by two samba dancers and hot Brazilian beats & top 40 dance hits from DJ Fabio Soul. Don’t miss the Caipirinha drink specials!
Special Guests: Performance by 2 Samba Dancers, DJ Fabio Soul
Details: Cash Bar & Cash Buffet available. The boat is enclosed and climate controlled. We sail rain or shine.
Requirements: All guests must be 21 & over with proper state ID or passport.
Dress Code: Trendy / Business Casual. No sneakers. We reserve the right to be selective.
Admission: $10 in advance; $15 at the pier
Group Rates: Arrange your group in advance
Purchase: 212-987-9200 OR Click Here
More Info.: www.TheBrazilianCruise.com

Updates

2010-08-24T18:11:00.001-04:00

"Leticia is an artist, performer, entrepreneur and educator.
She has been teaching samba in New York City since 2006. She lived and studied in the northeast of Brazil (Fortaleza, Ceará), speaks Portuguese fluently . . ."

read more about Leticia here
see photo slideshow here

Sunday Samba Series

2010-08-24T17:28:00.001-04:00

I stumbled upon this really great funky samba podcast out of L.A. California! I've been listening to the "Pop Lock to the Disco Funk" episode. Hope you like it as much as I do!

Upcoming Performances & Events

2010-08-02T16:54:00.013-04:00

BRAZILIAN CRUISE - Wednesdays
I'll be performing on the Brazilian boat cruise the following dates:

(all Wednesdays)
August 18
August 25
September 15

Boarding: 6:30pm
Sailing: 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Where: Pier #40 – West Houston Street & West Side Highway
Description: This after-work party sizzles with a performance by two samba dancers and hot Brazilian beats & top 40 dance hits from DJ Fabio Soul. Don’t miss the Caipirinha drink specials!
Special Guests: Performance by 2 Samba Dancers, DJ Fabio Soul
Details: Cash Bar & Cash Buffet available. The boat is enclosed and climate controlled. We sail rain or shine.
Requirements: All guests must be 21 & over with proper state ID or passport.
Dress Code: Trendy / Business Casual. No sneakers. We reserve the right to be selective.
Admission: $10 in advance; $15 at the pier
Group Rates: Arrange your group in advance
Purchase: 212-987-9200 OR Click Here

More Info.: www.TheBrazilianCruise.com

**********************

STUDENT PERFORMANCE
August 21 2010 (Saturday)
Washington Ave Block Party

THANK YOU! to all my lovely students who performed Saturday. You rocked!! Can't wait to do it again.

LAVAGEM DA RUA 46 (official pre-Brazilian Day parade/procession)
Saturday September 4

BRAZILIAN DAY
Sunday September 5

Ensaio Técnico - Império Serrano - Quitéria Chagas - 10/01/09 - (2/4)

2010-07-20T23:33:00.000-04:00

I love Quiteria's movement.

Pride

2010-06-29T01:21:00.002-04:00

From Pride NYC June 27 2010

"Are you a woman?" was actually the prevailing question for me at Pride NYC this past Sunday, June 27th.

It was my first time participating, and it was so much fun!!

I had the pleasure of going with my friend and hairdresser (who is responsible for my fabulous highlights!), Fernando Javier Valencia.

I'm not gay, but I really liked the idea of liberation that was a major theme of the day. I personally identified with this theme of liberation by dancing joyfully down the street with child-like abandon after 7 months of an icy winter and teaching and practicing choreography and routines inside studios for most of the year!

From another perspective, it was a street performance, free and open to the public -- a nice thing given the state of our economy (speaking of which, I heard the parade route was shortened due to city budget cuts that didn't allow for as much law enforcement as necessary for the longer route).

Some people may have thought I was a man in drag, a transvestite, or a lesbian in a samba costume. I suspect most thought I was a man in drag. Whatever their perception was, the reaction from onlookers and participants was overwhelmingly positive, supportive, and very often one of giddy surprise or shock. A lot of people requested photos. I believe they were awestruck by the costume and my exuberantly happy energy.

I kind of felt like I had crashed a party to tell you the truth! But my sexual identity didn't matter to the Peruvian group I paraded with (which included people from Venezuela and other countries as well); they appreciated that I brought positive energy and non-stop dancing(!) to their group. I was happy to be part of this parade for human rights.

Appreciating the Appreciation

2010-06-06T23:34:00.001-04:00

Today's appreciation class at the Humble School of Martial Arts was incredible! The energy was amazing -- joyful, exuberant, and sweaty! We moved at an easy pace but quickly worked up a sweat with all those bodies in the room shaking those hips and shimmying those shoulders! It was a beautiful sight to see.

I have to thank Master Sabu for allowing me free use of his studio, the Humble School of Martial Arts (973 Fulton Street b/w St James Pl & Cambridge Pl Brooklyn NY 11238). I hope after the free class that all you new folks will be back every Sunday 3:30 to 5:00pm. Only $15, drop in on any day and wear comfortable clothing you can move and sweat in!

Thanks so much to some of my first students ever who represented in class: Robyn and Carla. And to my Sunday students at the Humble School: Ms. Gousby, Jane, Shahidah, Jennifer. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the positive and welcoming atmosphere.

And to all the new folks who came to try me out for the first time! I had a blast, I was smiling throughout the whole class!!

I just want to share a couple quotes from those who attended today that I hope will inspire you to come and join us:

"I love your fun workout"
-Sheila

"Thank you so much, I feel smaller and sexier after your class"
-Kaskadé

"Fun, fun, fun"
-Alethea

"Fun as always!"
-Edna

Thank you! I love you all!

You Like Me!

2010-05-12T19:11:00.005-04:00

I stumbled upon this positive review of one of my classes on socialworkout.com.

Thanks!!!

Appreciation Class Sunday 6/6 in Brooklyn!

2010-05-09T21:27:00.001-04:00

Come enjoy a free samba class taught by me! My way of saying "thank you" to my loyal students! Bring your friends!

Sunday June 6, 2010
3:30 - 5:00pm
@ Humble School of Martial Arts
973 Fulton Street
b/w St. James Place & Washington Ave.
Brooklyn
C to Clinton-Washington
718 398 7228

FREE!

Free Samba Dance Class, Sunday 5/2

2010-04-23T08:28:00.000-04:00

I will be teaching a FREE samba dance class Sunday 5/2 from 3:30 - 5:00pm.
This will be an open level class, all are welcome!
There will be live percussion by Carlos de Oliveira.
Bring yourself! Bring a friend!

@Humble School of Martial Arts
973 Fulton Street between Washington Ave & St James Place
Brooklyn 11238
718 398 7228

Brazil strikes again!

2010-04-14T18:34:00.005-04:00

Another case of the Brazilian musical influence!

Samba & Brazilian-style melody with electronic/deep house:
"Belo Horizonti (Brix Edit)" by The Heartists (a Basement Jaxx alias).

From the 1994 - 1997 compilation Atlantic Jaxx Recordings: a Compilation.

Thanks to Armando for putting me on to the track!

Buy a Samba Costume!

2010-03-30T16:06:00.006-04:00

If you are interested in purchasing a used Brazilian Samba costume, please contact me!

6-week Cycles Start this Saturday April 3 (Manhattan)

2010-03-30T15:53:00.001-04:00

I will be teaching two levels of samba in 6-week cycles on Saturdays beginning April 3rd at Piel Canela Dance School at Pearl Studios in Manhattan:

Samba 1 is basic level -- little to no samba or dance experience; class will move slower than Samba 2.

Samba 2 advanced beginner/beginning intermediate -- previous samba experience (at least 6 classes of Samba 1), able to dance basic step rapidly and grasp basic choreography.

Samba 1 will be a pre-requisite for Samba 2 -- you must have gone through 6 weeks of Samba 1 in order to join Samba 2.
Admittance to Samba 2 will be at the instructor's discretion.

Contact me if you have questions.

Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays will remain Open Level.

Why You Should Dance Samba

2010-03-25T19:44:00.002-04:00

*It's fun!

*It's a great aerobic workout. You can burn anywhere between 197 and 576 calories per hour of samba dancing (depending on your body)!

*Increase your self-confidence. Samba, as with all dances, helps you learn new ways to move and understand your body. This in turn elevates your self-esteem and confidence!

*Share your reasons

Music Recommendations

2010-03-18T00:18:00.007-04:00

Here are some favorites I use in my dance classes. I believe all these artists and tracks are easy to find online. Artist names appear on the right:

"Carolina" by Seu Jorge
"Pega Eu" by Bezerra da Silva
"Love Love" by Toty Gira
"Abertura do Jogo" by Os Batuqueiros
"Aquarela Brasileira" by G.R.E.S. Imperio Serrano

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$30 for 30 Days Unlimited Classes at Piel Canela

2010-02-25T00:31:00.004-05:00

This is a pretty awesome deal.

$30 for 30 days of unlimited classes including SAMBA
at Piel Canela Latin Dance & Music School.
500 8th Ave b/w 35th and 36th Sts
12th Floor
Manhattan

Use online code: samba

New students only | Online only

Get the offer at Piel Canela Online

Carnaval in NYC isn't over!

2010-02-18T17:25:00.001-05:00

There's still time to get your samba & Carnaval on . . .

BELEZA NYC CARNAVAL EDITION | Sat 2/27

7 Year Old Samba Queen

2010-02-15T16:18:00.004-05:00

Is 7 years too young for a samba queen?
All the news has been talking about the role as "traditionally sexy"; I'm not convinced this is always the case . . .

I agree with Julia Lira's father that if anyone looks at the 7 year old with sex in mind, that is a sick individual.

On the contrary, a child's approach to dancing is quite beautiful--unabashed, full of joy, not self-conscious.

Maybe the parade in the Sambódromo with hundreds and hundreds of people watching was a bit too much for the young lady, though.

Beyonce & Alicia Keys shoot video in Brazil

2010-02-15T16:12:00.001-05:00

Carnaval Parade in Rio Live!

2010-02-14T23:10:00.003-05:00

Watch live video from TVSEBA on Justin.tv

Beija-Flor Samba School Tech Rehearsal

2010-02-12T14:14:00.002-05:00

Carnaval in Rio

2010-02-12T14:11:00.001-05:00

This mini documentary follows one participant parading with one of the top samba schools in Rio, Mangueira:

Samba Dance Classes NYC

2010-02-09T00:01:00.004-05:00

MONDAYS (Brooklyn)
all levels
8:00 - 9:30pm ($15)

TUESDAYS (Manhattan)
all levels
7:30 - 9:00pm ($20)

SATURDAYS (Manhattan)
both classes all levels
Samba 1 - 3:00 - 4:00pm ($14)
Samba 2 - 4:00 - 5:00pm ($14)

SUNDAYS (Brooklyn)
All levels 3:30 - 5:00pm ($15 - please commit to 4 consecutive classes, $60)

FOR FULL DETAILS CLICK HERE