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Beginner Samba Workshop
Feel free and alive by unlocking the joy, rhythm, and movement of Brazilian samba!
program overview
Feel free and alive by unlocking the joy, rhythm, and movement of Brazilian samba!
In this fun workshop, you’ll learn the foundational footwork, posture, and hip action that give samba its signature bounce, while building confidence through simple and repeatable patterns. The atmosphere upbeat and the focus is on helping you feel the music in your body.
Come wearing exercise clothing and plan to wear socks or be with bare feet.
This class is perfect for
- Anyone new to dance
- Students wanting a cardio‑friendly, expressive style
- People curious about Brazilian culture and movement
- Beginners who want a fun, low‑pressure class
instructor Overview
Maisa Duke
Maisa Duke was born and raised in Salvador, Bahia, the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture. She won her first dance competition at the age of 10 and dancing has been her passion ever since. She immigrated to the United States in 1998 and has been teaching Brazilian Samba dance classes and performing ever since. In 2000, she founded Energia do Samba Brazilian Dance Company. In 2002, Maisa was crowned Queen of San Francisco Carnaval. She has been dancing in San Francisco Carnaval for over 20 years!
Maisa has performed on stage with many Brazilian celebrities including: Daniela Mercury, Olodun, Beth Carvalho, Elba Ramalho, Tonho Materia, Jorge Ben Jor, and many others! She has also performed internationally in Germany, Mexico, France, England, South Korea, all of the United States, and of course Brazil. Maisa is living her dream of sharing samba with the world.
Membership Has Its Benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Membership helps support our programs, events, and financial aid programs.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
