Hello,
I am happy to announce that I will begin teaching Brazilian samba
classes, starting February 3rd, 2009, at Esquina Tango in Austin, TX
(
http://www.esquinat angoaustin. com/). Please distribute this email to
any and all who might be interested! If you know anyone who might be
interested in performing with the Academicos dance group, this would
be a great introduction to the fundamentals of samba and an
opportunity for them "train up" for auditions in the spring. It's also
a great opportunity for those who just want to samba!
To introduce the series, we will feature a two-class workshop on
January 17th and a free demo and mini-class on January 27th. Esquina
Tango Cultural Society of Austin is a non-profit organization striving
to build a vibrant and diverse community in East Austin and beyond
through culture, health, and
dance, with an emphasis on Latino
heritage, recreational tango and other Argentine traditions, fostering
personal wellness, and promoting understanding of Latino culture. It
is my great pleasure to be a part of this dynamic dance community, and
I hope that you will be able to come and participate in what it has to
offer.
For more details, please email Rebekah at
samba.e.vida@ gmail.com or
contact the studio at
info@esquinatangoau stin.com.
****WORKSHOP & OPEN HOUSE DETAILS (Jan 17th and 27th)*****
>>> January Samba Workshop at Esquina Tango:
Saturday, January 17th. 2-3:30 (beginner level) & 4-5:30
(intermediate level)
[Please note: the price for this workshop has not yet been confirmed.
Please e-mail
samba.e.vida@ gmail.com in January or visit the Esquina
Tango website in 2009 for final pricing info!]
Class 1: 2-3:30pm
Beginner's Workshop: Samba-de-roda ("circle samba")
This workshop will introduce students to the basic samba step and
other simple dance movements associated with the folkloric style often
seen in Bahia (Northeastern Brazil). Bare feet or dance
sneakers/tennis shoes are recommended.
Class 2: 4-5:30pm
Intermediate Workshop: Samba-no-pé ("Samba in the foot")
This workshop will look at the samba-no-pé style as danced by female
"passistas" of Rio de Janeiro. Technique, posture and
intermediate- level footwork will be emphasized. Previous dance
experience is recommended. No special footwear is required for this
class, but students may wear dance shoes (dance sneakers or jazz
shoes) if they like.
>>>
January Free Samba Open House:
Tuesday, January 27th, 7:45-9pm - Refreshments, Mini Beginner Lesson,
Demo
Studio contact details:
EsquinaTango
512.524.2772info@esquinatangoau stin.comwww.esquinatangoaus
tin.com****CLASS DETAILS (Feb 3rd and beyond)*****
Regular Samba classes:
Classes begin February 3rd, running every Tuesday 7:45-8:45pm in 4
week sessions (Cost: $12/class, see the Esquina Tango website for
discount details)
About the class:
This class will cover the fundamentals of samba as it is danced in the
Bahia and Rio regions of Brazil. Emphasis will be placed on
understanding the basic samba step, developing proper technique, and
learning a range of movements and footwork associated with each
regional style. This type of samba should not be confused with
"ballroom samba", so no partner is
necessary.
Who should do it:
Anyone who is willing to have some fun while dancing, sweat a little,
and shake their hips a lot. Some previous dance experience (jazz,
Latin or African-based dance) is recommended but not essential. This
class is designed for beginning and intermediate- level dancers.
What to wear:
Comfortable workout or dance wear is suggested. No special footwear is
required for this class; students can dance in bare feet, dance/jazz
sneakers, or lightweight tennis shoes, depending on preference.
*****ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR** ****
An avid student of Afro-Brazilian dance since 1995, Rebekah Fowler
continues to study and share the dance traditions found in Bahia, Rio
and beyond. Since 2000, she has taught dancers how to samba like they
do it in Brazil, focusing on footwork, technique and the spirit of
"alegria e charme" (joy and charm).
Her own areas of interest
include:
- Rio de Janeiro-style samba no pé
- Traditional Bahian samba-de-roda ("circle samba")
- Devotional Afro-Brazilian dances of the orixás
- Popular Brazilian street dances such as samba reggae and baile funk
Rebekah has worked in dance studios, schools and community centers in
San Antonio and Austin teaching Brazilian dance to a variety of ages
and abilities. Before moving to the United Kingdom, she was a dancer
and choreographer for the Ilê Bahia de San Antonio Performance
Ensemble and the Austin-based Brazilian percussion band Sambaxé, and
has also studied capoeira, a uniquely Brazilian martial art form.
Recently returned from the UK, she currently dances with the
Acadêmicos da Ópera Samba School in Austin.
Besides training and teaching in the US and the UK, Rebekah has also
studied Afro-Brazilian dance in Salvador, Brazil, with Rosangela
Silvestre and members of the Brazilian dance
companies Balé Folclórico
da Bahia and DanceBrazil. In addition to showing her students just how
fun samba can be, she also works full-time as a translator and
interpreter (Spanish/Portuguese > English).
