Donation – $7-25

Want an introductory experience to Afro-Brazilian dance? Allow yourself to engage in a fun, soulful, accessibly challenging class that will delve into Afro-Brazilian choreography, Samba Reggae, Samba de Roda and choreography incorporating Orixa Movement. Dancers will learn the foundational steps of Afro-Brazilian dance and learn the connection of these movements through the influences from Samba no Pé, Orixa movement, African dance and a collection of other street dances.

Donna Mation is a dancer, choreographer, percussionist and educator, and is the artistic director and choreographer for Bang Bang Boogie and Vivan Los Elementos. She specializes in street dances from the USA, Brazil and Cuba including, Samba, Rumba, Hustle, House, Popping, and Hip-Hop as well as sacred and secular dances of Cuba and Brazil. Donna has danced most of her life and began her career in 1999, which has brought her to teach and perform in various places around the world with renowned artists including Rennie Harris Pure Movement, Wyclef Jean, Pink Martini, Black Angel, Bata Ketu and Jujuba.

Donna studied at the University of Matanzas Cuba with Grupo Afro-Cuba and Los Muñequitos de Matanzas. She fell in love with  Cuban Folklore after Teresita Domé Perez introduced her to the art in 1997. Perez  later became one of Donna’s mentors. Donna also studied extensively with Juan de Dios, director of the world renowned group, Raices Profundas of Havana Cuba. Her interest in Orisha/Orixa dance led her to intensive studies with Jorge Alabe and Rosangela Sivelstre in Brazil, as well.