Yes, I love to dance, so there is nothing better than a great dance class. Below is a list of local dance classes that have caught my attention:
Maria Souza's samba class
This is THE samba class to attend if you want to learn samba. Maria breaks down the samba steps and works with student's individually. She also has a great and positive energy that is contagious.
Her class is every Monday from 7:30-9 at Burk Hall in Berkeley. For questions call her at 510-548-1310.
Silvana Sousa
An accomplished samba dancer, Sivana Sousa teaches a high energy samba class once a week. She successfully fuses traditional samba moves with aerobic and Brazilian pop. With her edgy and high energy personality, Silvana will motivate, push, and make sure you getting a great workout!
Her class is on Wednesday from 6:30-8 at Mission Dance Theater in San Francisco.
Raffaela Falchi
This is a great class for beginners. during the first half of class, Raffaella focuses on samba moves and basic steps. Then the fun begins. During the second half, Raffaella has live music to accompany a detailed choreography that mixes samba, Axe, and samba reggae.
Her class is on Friday from 6-7:15 at ODC Dance School in San Francisco.
Rodison de Jesus
One of the few male samba teachers in the Bay Area, Rodison de Jesus is an amazing teacher. A former Ballet de Folklorico dancer, Rodison is a natural dancer and a great teacher. He carefully breaks down the steps, demonstrates the final product, and gives students time to practice and improve the steps. His friendly personality, great energy, and amazing looks makes the aches and pains from a great workout worth it!
His class is every Monday from 7-8:30 at the San Francisco Gold's Gym.
Maisa Duke
Though I have never taken her class (conflicts with schedules), Maisa an I have performed together various times. Without a doubt, she is an amazing dancer, so I can only assume that she is an amazing samba teacher.
Her class is every Monday from 6:30-7:45 at Studio Gracia in San Francisco.
Dudley Flores
Okay, he is not a samba teacher but I really enjoy his class. In his Fusion and Motion class, you will work muscles you didn't know you had. But best of all, you do it all with a smile on your face. The class is fun and Dudley does a great job of breaking down the moves.
His class is every Sunday from 10-11 am at ODC in San Francisco.
With the above classes, a great workout can also be fun. Enjoy!
Thanks for all the great info!!!!! People will be samba dancing all over the bay!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMaria's class really is THE place to learn samba. I remember when I was learning she broke it down, gave me the right hip/step moves to have me shaking it in no time!
I really enjoy Sil's class for a great high energy samba/cardio class. I work up a sweat for sure!!
Also, Rodson teaches in the East Bay as well twice a week at Casa de Cultura.
One other class I like to throw into my Brazilian mix is Julia's. She teaches all different styles from the state of Bahia. Good moves and current music makes it a fun class. She's in Oakland at Addis Habana Dance and Art Studio.
Wow- you've got me ready for a full week of dance a head!!!! Thanks!!!