To close off this special one-day samba programme, we will end the day with a choreography masterclass. This choreography class will build on the techniques studied earlier in the day and incorporate both Samba and Afro-Brazilian dance. In the upcoming carnaval 2025, many Samba schools have chosen to find inspiration in religion, Afro-Brazilian culture and the Orishas for their themes. Artists also reflect this in their dancing, often incorporating afro movements in their Samba dancing.

Ale Jansen is an internationally known Brazilian Samba artist, teacher and choreographer. In the 2024 Carnaval of Rio de Janeiro, she danced as Madrinha de Bateria for samba school Em Cima Da Hora. She also works internationally as the founder of the Poderosas do Samba. With her extensive experience on teaching samba worldwide, she will share her knowledge and techniques that will help you elevate your samba. This masterclass will focus specifically on passista-style techniques.

Luciano Souza is an artist of Afro-Brazilian dance with over 20 years of experience. He was born and raised in Salvador, Bahia in Brazil and will be sharing his knowledge in his classes, which are about much more than just dance. Afro-Brazilian dance has a substantial vocabulary of movements directly from African ancestors through various traditions. It was first recorded as a dance style in the composition of African religions via rituals or a variety of celebrations. With time, it gained new meanings and expressions and has also incorporated some of the European and native cultures. Connection with your own self, the isolated feeling of the drums and the symbology behind it are the essence. The meaning of movement, music and the story of the Orishas are elements studied in this class.

This class can be taken on its own or as part of a one-day programme. The programme for Sunday 20 October is as follows:

14:00-15:00 Samba Masterclass with Ale Janssen

15:00-16:00 Afro Masterclass with Luciano Souza

16:00-16:30 Break

16:30-18:00 Choreography Masterclass Samba + Afro by Ale and Luciano