Viver Brasil honors Brazil’s African legacy through contemporary dance theater by utilizing Afro-Brazilian dance and music in performance, arts education, community engagement and cultural exchange programs. With an arts base grounded in rigorous historico-cultural research, dialogue and exchange with current arts & culture masters, VB conveys contemporary representations of Afro-Brazilian dance that address 21st century issues of ancestry, humanity, race, and social equity. 

Afro-Brazilian dance is full of spontaneous, soulful movement that energizes the body and spirit. In this class, dancers will learn sequences and exercises that prepare the body for the uplifting and exciting dances of northern Brazil, where African influences are most present. Participants will develop rhythm and coordination, stay fit, relieve stress, and learn about Brazilian culture. Styles covered include: Afro-Brazilian, Samba, Samba de Roda, Axé, Sambareggae, Afoxé, and Orixas.

This class unites dance, rhythm, and song. It creates an environment and dance community that nurtures, heals, renews, and inspires the body and spirit. The class was listed in New York magazine’s “The Best of New York”, New York Confidential, and was also written up in New York Woman’s “Time Out”. Open to all experience levels.

Suggested Attire:

• Comfortable clothing in which you can easily move. Lapa or wrap skirt optional
• Class is taken barefoot.

Learn the fundamentals of Afro-Haitian dance and immerse yourself in drum-based movement. Through this style rooted in Haitian folklore, develop new relationships to spatial awareness, body control, human connection, polyrhythm, percussion, and pulse.

This class explores the traditional belly dances of North and East Africa. In addition to learning belly dance’s fundamental movement and performance techniques, students will be introduced to choreography, music, and the use of props. This class is for students who have some experience with belly dance.

Suggested Attire:

• Comfortable clothing in which you can easily move. Belly dance skirt optional
• Class is taken barefoot.

Let go of the work week with a high energy African Dance class led by Broadway performer (and Beyoncé collaborator) Ismael Kouyate.

Open-level.
Accompanied by a live percussion ensemble.

A class for those with experience with West African Dance – this high energy class explores traditional dances from West Africa. Each week one or two new dances are explored. The start of a class builds on traditional West African dance techniques, followed by practice across the floor, and culminating in a final phrase. This class is accompanied by live music on traditional instruments such as the djembe and the djun-djun.

A class for those with experience with West African Dance – this high energy class explores traditional dances from West Africa. Each week one or two new dances are explored. The start of a class builds on traditional West African dance techniques, followed by practice across the floor, and culminating in a final phrase. This class is accompanied by live music on traditional instruments such as the djembe and the djun-djun.