This is the starting point! If you have never danced Brazilian samba no pé before, you should start here, even if you have significant past dance experience. Samba no pé is a very specific step and technique that takes time to master even for those with prior dance experience. In this class you will do a lot of exercises and practice the basic samba no pé step, starting with understanding the weight transfer, foot placement, and timing, basic arm shape, and understanding that the hip action comes from your knees and weight transfer. You will learn some other basic footwork and body movement and learn the difference between tempo and contra tempo. There will be a lot of repetition in this class, essential for getting the samba no pé into your body! This class runs from The Space on Monday nights.

On Monday nights at the Space out Intermediate class tends to attract more experienced samba dancers, so as well as a strong focus on drills and technique, we also incorporate some passista style training and always drill fast samba and short sequences to fast samba de enredo music – this will give you a taste of samba Carnaval style! We also do a sequence or short choreography to different styles of samba music and the sequences may be longer and involve turns and more complex footwork. It is presumed you have an understanding of our key syllabus.

Private lessons are a great way to improve at a faster pace and iron out any specific difficulties you are having. You can ask as many questions as you like and work at exactly the right pace for you. Book a 1:1 or find some friends and share the lesson. Get in touch directly with Sophie to schedule your time.

Costs: 1:1 $80 PLUS studio hire/ 1:2 $100 PLUS studio hire/ 1:3 $120 PLUS studio hire/ 1:4 $140 PLUS studio hire

When we perform, we usually perform a pre-choreographed routine. Choreographies are taught over a period of a few months and require attendance at a lot of rehearsals before you can perform. Choreography courses will be available for dancers who can execute the samba no pé step to medium speed music and can follow choreography. Teams will be selected based on the level of experience, samba technique, fundamental dance technique, ability to pick up and remember choreography, ability to work in a team with changing formations, and most importantly dedication to rehearsals! Please note even though we encourage all our dancers to take classes with any teacher they like, it’s highly recommended that you choose a school to perform with to avoid rehearsal and performance clashes.