The Heartbeat of Brazil

Class description

Discover how gentle movements and breathwork can cultivate vitality and inner peace. Sharon's class, rooted in Taoist healing arts, offers a transformative journey toward holistic well-being. QiGong is beneficial for stress relief, improved immunity, or mental clarity. Join Sharon to unlock the transformative power of Qigong and nurture your mind, body, and spirit.

Biography

Sharon Smith is a seasoned instructor deeply influenced by masters Mantak Chia and Li Junfeng. With over 45 years of experience in Qigong, Tai Chi, and Taoist healing arts she is a Universal Healing Tao as a Senior Instructor, Chi Nei Tsang Practitioner, and certified by the International Sheng Zhen Society to teach Sheng Zhen Gong. Sharon shares and seeks her wisdom globally; she has journeyed to China, Thailand, India, and beyond for further studies. Sharon hosted The Shift Network’s Qigong Global Summits from 2020 to 2022. Her current initiative is The Immortal Sisters of The Tao, the goal of which is to empower women to embrace the Tao through expanding access to training.

Class description

Dive into the vibrant world of Samba with Quenia! Explore its roots in Salvador Bahia, tracing its journey from Africa to becoming Brazil's national dance. Discover various styles including Samba No Pé, Miudinho, Samba Reggae, and Samba Afro. Quenia's class offers a thorough warm-up, body isolations, strengthening exercises, and a relaxing cool down, enriching your Samba experience.

Biography

Quenia Ribeiro is a dancer, choreographer, and instructor from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, brings over 25 years of expertise to her classes. Her dynamic career spans performances in Greece, Martinique, Portugal, Brazil, and the US, showcasing her mastery of Samba, Afro-Brazilian Dance, and Orixa movements rooted in African tradition. Featured on PBS, ABC, WPIX, Telemundo, and CBS Television, Quenia's teaching journey since 1997 has impacted countless students in NYC and Brazil. Drawing from her background in Ballet and 10 years of Capoeira training, her classes offer a unique fusion of dance styles. She currently directs her own Dance Company, "Grupo Ribeiro".

Class description

Drum to Brazilian beats with Batalá! Dive into our group class, breaking down Batalá's vibrant music step by step. Learn stick technique, body positioning, and performance strategies for four different drums and percussion instruments. Explore Samba Reggae, Samba Duro, Mambo, and Afro rhythms, accompanied by light choreography and Afro-Brazilian movement techniques. All levels and genders welcome, instruments provided, no prior experience required.

Biography

Deinya Phenix, PhD, is a sociologist, mother, and a child of the African Diaspora. Having danced since age 5, she discovered Afro-Brazilian percussion under the guidance of musician Cafe da Silva in 2009. Joining Batala New York in 2012, she explored Afro-Diasporic music globally, teaching and learning across Europe, South America, and the Caribbean. Rising from conductor to Co-Musical Director to Artistic & Musical Director over 9 years, she led over 100 women, infusing performances with cultural relevance, high energy, and community spirit. Deinya's work embodies a commitment to service and partnership with percussion and dance masters worldwide.

ABOUT BATALABatalá New York, an all-women, Black-led, Afrocentric drumming ensemble, celebrates Afro-Brazilian culture as a testament to Black resistance. Collaborating with global Afro-Brazilian artists, we transform perceptions of women with our loud, fearless community of diverse female drummers. Our performances span concert halls, community centers, parks, streets, protests, and cultural institutions across New York. As part of a global arts project with over thirty bands, we play Samba Reggae, a fusion of Brazilian Samba and Caribbean Reggae, honoring African diasporic rhythms and Afro-Brazilian spirituality. With percussive instruments worn on the body, our vibrant performances exude high energy and joy.

Directions to Governors Island

By Subway

1 Train to South Ferry Station

R/W Train to Whitehall St. Station

4 and 5 Train to Bowling Green Street

Directions to Colonel's Row in House 405

Take a right at the top of the hill. Left turn after after passing QCNY Spa. Walk down Colonel's Row until you see House 405.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Governors Island, Governors Island, New York, United States