We offer adult classes in Samba no pé (5 levels) and classes are available from absolute beginner to professional. 

Samba Beginners Course (Level 1)
This course is focused on learning samba from the ground up. You will learn the technique for the Samba basic step, including the foundation footwork and hip movements. We also work on arm placement, body movement, and some simple parading and steps. We teach and break down the timing and basic movements in detail in order to ensure everyone in the class learns at a comfortable pace. This course is suitable for absolute beginner (no dance experience required) or beginner level Samba students who want to refresh their basic skills. 

Samba Intermediate Course (Level 3 Improvers/Int)
Our level 3 Samba Intermediate course is the next step up from Samba Improvers. The course is focused on improving your Samba basic skills and expanding your range of body movement. We build on the Samba foundation focusing on Sapateado technique, increasing samba speed, hip isolations, basic travel, simple caminhadas (walks), and transition steps. In Samba Intermediate we begin to introduce rotation into the samba step. The course also incorporates elements of classical dance technique to help you transition through steps smoothly, working on weight placement and control of your movements. This course is ideal for those students who have graduated past our Samba Beginners course and anyone who has experience in samba and wants to brush up on skills.

Samba Advanced (Level 4)
Our level 4 Samba Advanced course is designed to level up your Samba no pé skills based on the standards of the top Samba schools in Rio de Janeiro. In this course we refine essential technique from Sapateado (linear), to Torção (rotation), build on technique for speed and fitness, expand on Samba variations, footwork and Passista styling. We also focus heavily on musicality, gingado (vibe/swing), and learning to dance Samba and freestyle according to different rhythms (Pagode, Batería, Enredo, etc.). This course is by invitation only and requires completion and graduation from our Samba Improvers and Drills classes. 

Samba Drills (Level 5 Adv+)
Samba Drills is an on-going training class focused on drilling and refining technique, resistência (fitness/stamina), transitions, caminhadas, and the movements used in Rio Passista style. Incorporating the world famous methods of Carlinhos Salgueiro and the top Samba schools in Rio, this class moves at a fairly fast pace and is ideal for building, refining, and maintaining your Samba no pé technique and fitness at a high level. Samba Drills requires dancers to have completed and graduated from our Samba Improvers course and have an understanding of Projeto style drills. 

Ginga Vibe (Open Level)

“Ginga” is a Brazilian Portuguese word that closely translates to “sway” and is associated with movement. Ginga is what you do with your body, between the steps while you are dancing, incorporating your energy, swag, & vibe. This is the difference between ‘doing’ the steps and dancing the steps. Ginga Vibe draws on styles from the African Diaspora including Samba, Funk, Afro-Caribe, Dance Hall, Soca and Lambada. This class includes cardio training, multicultural exploration, & weekly dance combos intended to move both the body & the spirit so you can find your own ginga vibe!

The Art of Samba
Falling in love with samba dance is a beautiful experience because it is something that slowly becomes a part of your essence and starts enhancing your day-to-day life. It is vital at Escola de Samba Denver that we impart our knowledge and experience of Samba by teaching our students about its roots as an Afrocentric dance from African cultures. We are dedicated to providing progressive Brazilian dance education and samba classes that are always aligned with the latest and evolving dance techniques and artistic styles in Brazil, with authenticity and respect for the roots of the culture at our core. 
 
Difficulty Levels
We at Escola de Samba Denver believe dance is for every BODY and know dance is not always something people have prior experience with. That means with time and dedication it can be learned and honed into developing you into an experienced dancer. That being said, we know people come to us at different levels of ability and experience which is why we offer a beginner class for those who know nothing about samba. which requires no prior dance experience. 
 
Benefits of Dance 
Studies show dance can help you lose weight, stay flexible, reduce stress, increase energy levels, and build community. These days, people love to watch OTHER people dance. Competitive dance shows are all the rage and dominating the world of reality television. What you may not realize, however, is that if YOU get off the couch and dance yourself, it is a great way to keep your body and mind healthy. What are you waiting for? Sign up for your first class today! 

Other evidenced-based health and wellness benefits of dance - 

Boosts Memory
Dance not only instills grace, but also helps you age gracefully! According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, dancing may boost memory and prevent you from developing dementia as you get older. Science reveals aerobic exercise can reverse volume loss in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls memory. 
 
Increase Energy
Can't seem to find your get-up-and-go? Taking a dance class can help! Research shows that a weekly dance class can improve physical performance and energy levels among adults by increasing circulation due to increased oxygen flow throughout the body. 
 
Better Balance
According to a study in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity showed dancing can improve balance in adults. Dancing requires lots of fast movements and frequent transitions which will help you stabilize, develop core strength, and gain better control over your body. 

Building Community
Dance classes are the perfect setting to make new friends. Maintaining positive relationships rank right up there with eating healthy and exercise in terms of taking care of your health. Being socially engaged leads to increased happiness, reduced stress, and a stronger immune system.