Name: Samba with Maria
Start: 2026-04-30T17:30:00-07:00
End: 2026-04-30T19:00:00-07:00
Location: Redwood Raks Collective

In this fun and supportive class, you will explore this beautiful and exciting dance style from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. You will also learn about the rich history and cultural significance of Samba.
In every class, we will practice:
- Samba no Pé Technique (Hips, Arms & Footwork)
- Styling
- Endurance
- Musicality
Each week we will also have exercises focusing on a specific topic.
2/26: Base of Samba, Hips and Footwork
3/5: Arms
3/12: Contratempo
3/19: Resistence
3/26: Caminhadas (Walks)
4/2: Improvisation
4/9: Improvisation
Additional Topics TBA
My hope is that this class builds your confidence and inspires you to keep learning and exploring this incredible art form. I am so excited to dance with you!
Price:
Single Class Drop-In: $15
5-Class Dance Card: $60 - This is an ongoing class so a session price is not available. Students can purchase a Dance Card to be used throughout the year.
No need to pre-register. Sign up at your first class.
Attire:
-Leggings, yoga pants, dance leggings or shorts plus a tank top or shirt that you can comfortably dance in. We will sweat a lot.
-Barefoot or dance sneakers
About Maria:
Maria took her first Samba no Pé and Afro-Brazilian Dance classes in 2000 and has been hooked ever since. She has studied in both Brazil and the U.S. with Brazilian Dance teachers including Dandha da Hora, Tania Santiago, Rosangela Silvestre, Mayome Masai, Ana Laidley, Alessandra Jansen, Janete Silva Aide, Emilce Parga, Weslei Guimaraes and Danielle Lima. Currently, she trains with Alex Coutinho, Director of Passistas for Rio de Janeiro's Escola de Samba (Samba School) Paraíso do Tuiuti and the creator of the worldwide Poderosas do Samba Project. During Carnaval 2026, Maria paraded at Rio de Janeiro's Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí as an international passista for the Serie Ouro Samba School União do Parque Acari. She is currently the Artistic Director for Samba do Mar Humboldt and has directed the dance sections for the North Country Fair Samba Parade project for 10 years. She was formerly the Co-Director of Samba na Chuva Brazilian Dance Performance Troupe for 15 years. Maria has been a guest teacher at Pacific Union Elementary School, Cal Poly Humboldt and University of California Riverside.