Brazil is home to some of the most vibrant forms of music and dance, most often seen internationally during Carnaval season, highlighting Samba. Samba, Capoeira and Forro are just a few of the dances that make up Brazil’s rich traditions of dance.

Join us for a special lecture and workshop by former Samba dancer and social activist Lara Dee, as she demystifies Brazilian culture and dance, followed by a lesson for us all to try. This lecture will be in Portuguese with English translation, in a small group setting. This workshop is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in world cultures and wishing to learn more about the source of these dances and ties to society. No dance experience necessary. Space is limited.

Lara was born in Itabuna, Bahia, and moved to São Paulo when she was 12 years old. Growing up in a poor family, she has been involved in mobilizing her community around social issues from a very young age. At the age of 13, she first organized the women in the community to demand that the government and utility companies provide the same social services to the poor suburbs that it provided in the wealthy city center. For example, the gas company was reluctant to deliver heavy gas containers for kitchen use to the doors of poorer suburban residents until Dee and her group insisted that they deserved the same treatment as the company’s richer clients.

Later, Dee’s life took an unexpected turn when she became a dancer on a television program. She left her life as a poor young woman to become well known dancer, appearing on one of the most watched talk shows in the country. Dee never forgot her early life in the slums and to this day still strives to improve the lot of Brazil’s poorest citizens.

In this spirit, Dee dedicated herself to a series of volunteer jobs in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. In 1985, she rented a shed in São Cristovão and created a cooperative of women to produce and sell clothes in the favelas. Eventually, she started working at the Viva Rio organization as project coordinator, but, as time went by, she felt the need to develop her own project. In 2002, she created “Beleza e Cidadania,” supported by a friend who owns the biggest publishing company in the cosmetics field.

We are grateful to Lara Dee to offer this special experience in Los Angeles.

This is intentionally a small event. Space is limited. No dance experience necessary. Best for ages no younger than 13, that can be attentive to lecture and discussion. Location is at a private residence in the Pacific Palisades near PCH and Sunset Blvd. Address will be provided upon registration.

$30 adults

$20 youth ages 13 - 21.

Payment also available by Venmo: @Winter-Reign-1

One World Center for Dance and Cultural Arts - oneworldctr.com , with gratitude and in partnership with Lara Dee