Celebrating Brasilian Carnival with Danielle Lima and Janete Silva / Photo by Coal Rietenbach

This Black History Month, Ailey Extension is taking students on a virtual world tour exploring a range of dance techniques from across the African diaspora. Throughout February, dancers are invited to participate in special workshops and weekly classes that will expose them to the rich history of dances born from different Black communities in the USA, Caribbean, South America, and the continent of Africa.

Bahia soul meet Rio de Janeiro flair in a Celebrating Brasilian Carnaval workshop with Janete Silva and Danielle Lima on Saturday, February 13 at 4pmET. Janete Silva will take participants through the experience of dancing with the “Bloco Afro” Carnaval groups of her native Bahia which celebrate cultural manifestations of African origin. Rio’s own Danielle Lima will then show students how to celebrate Carnaval Rio de Janeiro style, teaching her signature “samba no pe” footwork technique and an easy-to-follow routine from one of Rio’s samba schools. This 90-minute experience allows participants to bring the spirit of Brasil’s world-famous carnaval celebration into their homes.