The Beat

Nives, aka Profesora Sambambaia, will instruct you in the technique and art of Afro Brazilian samba no pe, samba de roda, samba reggae, afoxe, axe, puxada de rede. She will also delve into particular music and dance forms of the US, Cuba and Colombia. Nives emphasizes the importance of body alignment, core strength, balance, theatricality and musicality to the execution and enjoyment of learning dance.

This class will be ALL DANCING. Even the basic exercises with be rhythmic and musical. It will warm you up deeply, help lengthen and lift the spine, stretch and tone the back, core, legs, and feet on the floor and at the barre. Learn to lift the pelvic floor to support your balance, smooth transfer of weight, develop stability in plie and on half toe.

Open rehearsal is an opportunity to learn new dance skills and explore new dance styles in a fat-positive, beginner-focused, class-like format alongside the emFATs you know and love. The dance style will vary but will typically be focused on jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and/or musical theater. All open rehearsals will begin with a jazz/ballet warm-up including some center work and stretching.

Felipe and Ayano lead and follow interchangeably, invaluable for teaching, offering students an excellent model of movement and showing a deep knowledge and respect for the genre. Their demonstrations are clear and precise. As instructors and performers, they are always in high demand, a tribute to their teaching excellence and wide appeal.

We are motivated to help you learn in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Part of that comfort and success will come from being honest with yourself in selecting a level that's appropriate for you. Don't get caught up in "I should be.". What matters most is getting the most of each level and acknowledging where you are and what you need.