Casa Samba Workshops

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Samba danceWorkshop

Although we do a number of different dance workshops we specialize in SAMBA both from Rio de Janeiro and Salvador Bahia styles of dance and drumming. Depending on your request you can have a samba drum and dance rehearsal at the same time. Number two you can have separate classes one dance class then a drum class or vice versa. Although the samba dance is our specialty we also do other dances and rhythms like

Samba dance Workshops

Maracatu – a traditional style from the state of Pernambuco, in Northeastern Brazil. Usually accompanied by traditional dancing in Carnival parades.
Maculelê – a rhythm that accompanies the ethnic dance of the same name, usually presented in an African Brazilian religious festivity.
Samba de Roda [Circle of Samba] – a casual, more relaxed type of samba, usually played by a smaller ensemble around the table at parties, barbecues, and festive social gatherings.
Samba Reggae – a rhythm originated in the Carnival of Bahia, in northeastern Brazil, where the “blocos” created a more laid back, slower tempo version of samba, which can include a heavier use of low drums.
Samba Funk - a mixture of funky soul with a samba feel and instrumentation.
Ijexá – an African rhythm brought to Brazil by the Nigerian slaves, mostly preserved in the Northeastern state of Bahia that is simple yet spellbinding.
Jongo – an African-Brazilian rhythm and dance, with mostly rural origins, full of religious symbols and widely considered to be one of the main influences in the creation of samba
Cafezal a dance done During the harvest times in the coffee fields ...... Check out class video

...... Check out class video 2

performance timeslots: 15–30–60 minute sets or more... sets recommended for conventions private parties, special events, school assemblies, birthday parties, weddings, concerts, floor shows, festivals and more

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Samba drumming

- The Afro-Brazilian instruments that we teach -

THE INSTRUMENTS COVERED IN OUR WORKSHOPS

Agogô – a metal instrument, usually made of 2 to 4 joined metal cones with different pitches, played with a wooden stick. Some say it might be the oldest instrument in the samba ensemble.

Apito – a samba whistle with two pitches, usually played in very fast rhythmic phrases.

Atabaque – one of the main drums in the religious performance of “Candomblé,’’ similar to the Cuban congas.

Berimbau – a single string instrument with its origin in Angola, but also present in many other African countries. Quintessential accompaniment to the “Capoeira’’ [cop-poe-era] Martial Art Form.

Caixa – a samba snare drum, AKA “tarol,” played in many different patterns, representing different neighborhoods and samba schools.

Cuíca – an instrument similar to a drum, with a rod attached to the underside of its single drumhead, which the player rubs with a damp cloth to produce sounds as high as a squeak and as low as a roar. It is one of the most quirky and characteristic samba instruments, with poorly documented African origins.

Ganzá – a samba shaker with cylinder shape, usually made of metal and filled with grains, used in large number on samba school and bloco ensembles.

Pandeiro - a shallow round drum with a single animal hide or nylon drumhead and jingles around the rim, like those on a tambourine. The Pandeiro is held with one hand and played with the other, and is one of the most versatile Brazilian percussion instruments.

Reco-reco - similar to the Cuban guiro, except the samba reco- reco is usually made of metal springs tightened over a metal box. It is played by scraping a metal drumstick back and forth against the textured surface of the springs.

Repinique - also known as Repique, it's a small, high pitched, cylindrical metal drum with drumheads on both sides, played with one bare hand and a wooden drumstick on the other hand. Probably the closest thing to a soloist within the samba ensembles, it's often used in intricate phrases on intros and fills.

Tamborim - not to be confused with the tambourine, this is a small, metal high pitched shallow drum with a single drumhead, held with one hand and played with a wooden or plastic drumstick on the other hand. It is used in large numbers on samba ensembles playing very fast, synchronized, and sometimes intricate patterns.

Surdo – similar to the floor tom of a drumkit, it's the lowest-pitched and largest drum used on samba rhythm - the heart of the ensemble, and the bears the greatest responsibility for keeping the ensemble in time. Cylinder-shaped, with drumheads on both sides, it is made of metal or wood and played with one bare hand and a wooden drumstick with a large felt tip on the other hand.

........Check out the videos

performance timeslots: 30–60 minute sets or more... sets recommended for conventions, private parties, special events, school assemblies, birthday parties, festivals and more

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STILT DANCERS get noticed

STILT DANCERS

This session takes about 20 minutes to set up Time and we usually get each participants 5 to 10 minutes of instructions. It can be used as a race station Obstacle. We mean it is sometimes a plan obstacle in a races where they have to go in two different parts of the city and perform different feats in order to complete the race. This workshop is rather unique. This is a family class both children and adult male 10 attend the workshops. Our Saturday children's program is only for children.Fascinatingly skillful, these are not your ordinary stilt walkers make sure you know the difference between a stilt walker and a stilt dancer. The stilt dancers are extremely energetic acrobatic and sometimes over 15 feet tall. They can dance, run, spin and leap their way into your heart and minds as they perform their craft to the beat of live drumming or recorded music. Stilt dancers are available to perform alone or with the other listed events above. They also come in groups as large as 30. This talent is extremely effective when you need to have attention to your event without using loud music or bands. They are helpful and guiding your audience or convention goers into the right direction if you havemultiple areas in your event. They can hold signs, where your logo, meet and greet people with many more options to help increase visibility to your event not to mention amazing excitement. .......Check out the video HISTORY OF THE STLTWALKERS The Stiltwalker plays a very important part at festivals and celebrations. He embodies the symbols and the spirit of Africa. Originally from West Africa, the Stiltwalker is a magical figure that is called by many names. In the old tradition he initiates the celebrations. Currently, he can be seen at many different festivals throughout the United States. The Stiltwalkers would dance at openings of ceremonies. Legend has it that Stiltwalkers possessed the ability of foreseeing and detecting on-coming dangers advising to stay clear of these situations. Stiltwalkers held a respected status allowing them to make political and religious decisions. Stiltwalkers in Countries like Senegal – Nigeria – Mali – Gambia – Ghana – Guinea – Carri they are called - Chakabas belonging to a secret society where membership is by Initiation only! In the Caribbean they are call MOCKO JUMBIE.

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Curtis Pierre "THE SAMBA MAN"

Who is the Samba man ? specialty performance for children and school assemblies K-12

Curtis Pierre is "THE SAMBA MAN". This lively and interactive program starts with the relationship of Brasil and Africa by introducing the colorful and exciting world of samba and Brasilian percussion in Rio de Janeiro, Bahia and other parts of Brasil. Being a native of New Orleans, Curtis Pierre is well qualified to educate the audience about the kinship of Brasilian Carnaval and New Orleans Mardi Gras. He has a keen and clear explanation of the similarities and the differences in the two Carnaval location.

"Samba and Brasilian Percussion Program Description”

This program includes a demonstration/performance of percussion instruments, interacting and being involved with the audience. With the presentation of each instrument comes a piece of history about Brasil and or the origin of the instrument and its relationship to Africa. People from the audience are randomly selected to participate in these introductions. Throughout the program the audience is always engaged in the performance. After the introduction of several percussion instruments then comes the Pandeiro (tambourine) Show, the most captivating and exciting part of the performance.

Curtis Pierre performs the intricate playing techniques of the Pandeiro in a memorable and stunning display of rhythm and acrobatics. With his spectacular Pandeiro Acrobatics show, spinning 3-5 Pandeiros (tambourines) executing a mixture of various skillful balancing and joggling routines integrating cartwheels, tumbles and lightning fast twists, turns, and flipping movements with the pandeiro. This is one of the most original arts forms indigenous of samba schools of Brasil), Curtis Pierre is ranked nationally as one of the top 3 Malabarismo “Pandeiro (tambourine) juggler” in America.

After the Pandeiro Show, Curtis will randomly select 10-20 participants chosen from the audience to perform of stage. The participants will learn the basic samba rhythm, a simple percussion arrangement and some samba dance movements. Depending on the amount of time there can be a selection of several different groups of 10-20 all ending in a culminating parade with students wear parts of costumes to get the real feel of Carnaval. This program fully customizable to your request as far as integrations with classroom activities, slide show presentation on Brasil and or Carnaval, birthday parties, special events, conventions, special workshops and more. ......Watch the The Samba Man Videos .....Watch the World of percussion Videos

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TEAMBUILDING Build a cohesive work atmosphere

TEAMBUILDING

WHAT IS TEAM BUILDING PROGRAM?

Team building is an ongoing process that helps a work group evolve into a cohesive unit. The team members not only share expectations for accomplishing group tasks, but trust and support one another and respect one another's individual differences.

Every company has dinners, picnics, functions, outings, etc. to bring their employees closer together. One popular way is attending a musical event where everyone participates and has a good time. This event will build self-esteem, comradery, a sense of accomplishment, and more importantly team building!!! Yes, experience all of this while having fun at the same time.

HOW CAN TEAM BUILDING HELP YOUR COMPANY? A process that helps a work group evolve into a cohesive unit. Throughout the ages music has been the bonding agent of all people. Team building program lets lets your employees catch the rhythm and carry the beat through drumming a fun and innovative tribal group experience that strikes a chord with everyone. Absolutely no musical experience is required to participate. A range of drums and percussion instruments transforms team players into musical artists with a powerful message call unity.

HOW DOES THE TEAM BUILDING FUNCTION WORK? STEP ONE: Team Leader, that is the General Manager or Manager gives a brief introductory speech on essential tools needed for working together in an unorthodox manner each member will have an impact on their team's success

STEP TWO: After the initial speech of the Team Leader, the master drum instructor gives a brief demonstration on how each instrument is played and what is going to happens when the program starts.

STEP THREE: With the assistance of the percussion instructors, the percussion instruments are distributed to the groups. The groups then are divided into sections. The lead instructor chooses a group leader in each section.

STEP FOUR: A percussion assistant is assigned to a group to begin giving instructions to their assigned group.

STEP FIVE: The groups have a certain amount of time to get learn their parts and a certain amount of time to assemble as a total unit to play their parts together. This gives the effect of deadlines with a challenge. The percussionist assistant remains with the group during the entire period of the program.

STEP SIX: The program will culminate into a number of different directions depending on the amount of participants and time allotted. If so desired there can be a competition between the individual groups. If we have 500 people divided into 10 groups and out of the ten groups select the top three.

Additional Options They could be judged for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards. The first place winners would be featured in a performance with CASA SAMBA. This program is very versatile and can be designed to function in most organizational structures.

It can also include samba dance as well. The dance programs are set-up the same as the percussion program. Samba dance instructors are included to assist throughout the program. The dance program will culminate in the same manner as the percussion program. Mardi Gras beads, festive customs accessories, t-shirts and other memorabilia can be added to make a unique and fun experience.(Up to 250 instruments are available for rent. Additional commemorative lightweight instruments can be purchased when given the proper time to order them. ......Watch the Video

Samba danceWorkshop

Samba dance Workshops

Samba drumming

- The Afro-Brazilian instruments that we teach -

THE INSTRUMENTS COVERED IN OUR WORKSHOPS

STILT DANCERS get noticed

Curtis Pierre "THE SAMBA MAN"

TEAMBUILDING Build a cohesive work atmosphere

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