SAMBA PROGRAM

Learn the Afro-Brazilian dance style of Samba! Samba has its origins in the 19th century and evolved in the Afro-Brazilian communities of Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century.  It is a vibrant and rhythmic Afro-Brazilian musical genre and dance style, with its roots in Africa via the West African slave trade and African religious traditions. The enslaved Africans brought their dance and music customs to Brazil, where African and Brazilian cultures merged.

Samba has quick movements, quick footwork, and strong hip and body movements. Samba is a cultural expression which developed to become the quintessential music and dance form associated with Carnaval do Rio de Janeiro and represents the spirit and culture of Brazil.
Our Samba program is a cultural immersion of Samba. Our curriculum includes learning the movements and musicality and digs deeper into the history, artists, and songs.  Our program includes a private Samba online platform for community, accessing resources, and connecting our weekly classes to important aspects of Brazilian and Samba culture.

This program welcomes both men and women! Wear comfortable workout clothing. We also recommend bringing water to class.

​Outdoor shoes are not allowed on the training floor. Students are welcome to train barefoot or with designated indoor-only training shoes.
Give Samba a try! We have an Introductory Special to try Samba 2 weeks for only $29! 
​We also have Drop-In classes available for a limited time only.
​Save money and reserve your spot in our monthly program!
SAMBA TEACHER
​JOSHLEAN FAIR

Joshlean Fair is a native of Chicago and trained for 10 years with the Percussion Scholarship Program.  This technical musical training, and her familial roots in jazz and dance, instilled a deep appreciation for the arts across the Diaspora.  During her graduate studies, diving into the Tropicália era of music in Brazil was not only an outlet from her studies but also inspired a desire to study Brazilian dance. 

Upon returning to Chicago, her love for samba was birthed and cemented under the tutelage of Dill Costa at the Old Town School of Folk Music.  Joshlean has been studying Samba and Brazilian folk dance with Dill Costa for 4 years now, and through her, has also studied with numerous professional Brazilian artists, such as Pablo Guerreiro, and with the International Samba Congress.

Joshlean has also had the privilege to parade three times at Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro with prestigious samba schools such as Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel, Unidos de Padre Miguel, and as a solo-style dancer, or Musa, with União de Jacarepaguá.

​Samba has been a symbol of new beginnings for Joshlean, and a reminder that we all are always on the brink of a new beginning of self-discovery, expression, and service.  Her hopes are to continue to study, teach, and honor the art of samba and share this dance form across Chicago and beyond.  Joshlean currently works in Chicago in Rheumatological clinical research.  Joshlean performs at various venues and events throughout Chicago with groups such as Gingarte Capoeira, Bloco Maximo, and the Dill Costa Dance Group.
New to Samba and have some questions? Complete the form below and we will help you get started!

LOCATION

Classes are held at 8300 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60620 in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood.  There is free street parking.
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