New Red Back Piece

Oi Gente


I have been dying to show off my new back piece, but things have been crazy with Carnaval related shows, Carnaval Ball preparations, and my awful cold. We have been rehearsing twice a week and workshopping costume and dance ideas for each show, which leaves me little time for other samba things. Regardless, I am still dying to show off the latest addition to my samba costume collection!

One of the first back pieces I have ever made was a large, lotus-leaf, gold and red pack piece. It was beautiful and impressive but the size was cumbersome and the style, after a while, became outdated. After  brainstorming for weeks, I decided to take apart the back piece and use the materials to make a new and elaborate piece.


I started off with metal frames I bought in Rio de Janeiro. The carnaval frame goes on like a backpack and can be molded to fit just right.

Once I had the frame molded to fit my needs, I wrapped it with foam and a thin nylon fabric. The foam serves to cushion and protect the frame against my skin and the fabric helps hold the foam in place. I followed by wrapping the frame with a bright-red strap and secured the ends with hot blue.

To the center of the frame, I added red ostrich feathers and a few pheasant feathers for an extra pop. I then embellished the shoulder straps with swarovski crystals and was done.

The whole process took me four night and now I have a gorgeous back piece to go along with my new bikini. Love it!

Beijos and enjoy your day!

If you like my post, please leave a comment below or click on Follow. I love to hear what you think and appreciate your support. 

Instagram: The conundrum!

To Instagram, or Not to Instagram, that is the Question

For years, I have struggled with the idea of having an Instagram account. Having another social media account to manage and follow just overwhelmed me. Call me old-fashioned but I like an electronic free day.

At the same time, it is all around me. My friends and students rave about it and I can see the social and marketable benefits associated with it.

I finally gave in and signed up for Instagram. I now love it! (Not the idea of having another app on my phone or another account to manage, but all the great photos I see). I follow some of my favorite artist and carnavalescos (carnaval producers).

Below, I have included the names of some of my favorite pasistas (samba dancers) and carnaval lovers:





Facarnavaloficial: Managed by Claudio Medeiros

He uploads the latest and most beautiful Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo carnaval photos.

Laurakelleroficial: Managed by Laura Keller. 

Beautiful pasista and beautiful costumes.

Neguinhasambista: Managed by Neguinha Sambista from Aquarela.
She is a social butterfly, so you are bound to see the latest on SF Bay Brazilian events.

Renatasantosoficial: Managed by Renata Santos. 

She was recently selected the muse of Mangueira samba school in Rio de Janeiro

Evelynbastoss: Managed by Evelyn Bastoss.
She was Mangueira's rainha da bateria (queen of the percussion section)

Dominique425: Managed by Dominique 

 She is one of Aquarela's principal dancers. I simply love following her because of her style and taste. Plus, she follows the best sambistas.  

Giljungoficial: Managed by Gil Jung, an Brazilian bikini line. 

They include great photos of carnaval sambistas and their bikini line. 

K-riocasambashow: Managed by Samba K-Rioca Show. 

They include photos from their latest events, so you are bound to see photos of Brazilian bands, sambistas, and promoters.

Graoficial: Managed by Gracyanne Barbosa. 

She is a Brazilian fitness model and pasista. Unlike the above, Gracyanne includes loads of videos. 

Caju93: Managed by yours truly 

I'm new to the Instagram game, but I enjoy following and posting anything related to samba.

Beijos and enjoy your week!

If you like my post, please leave a comment below or click on Follow. I love to hear what you think and appreciate your support.