About the Workshop
This immersive workshop invites participants to dive into Afro-Brazilian body traditions through ancestral rhythms and movements that are deeply rooted in Brazil’s cultural identity.
Drawing from traditional dances such as Coco, Jongo, Samba de Roda and Afoxé, the workshop offers a collective experience of body and rhythm, celebrating the African ancestry expressed in the gestures, chants, and steps of these cultural manifestations.
🎶 What Will Be Explored:
• Foundations of Afro-Brazilian dance (footwork, ginga, umbigada, circle dynamics, improvisation);
• Body percussion and rhythmic awareness;
• Connection between body, music, and territory;
• Circle practices, partner work, and group movement;
• Individual expression and collective creation.
🎯 Workshop Goals:
• Introduce and highlight elements of African-rooted dances present in Brazilian culture;
• Develop body awareness and a sense of rhythm;
• Stimulate listening, creativity, and expressive movement through dance;
• Strengthen the connection to Afro-Brazilian ancestry.
🌀 Methodology:
• Practical and interactive sessions with a sensitive and inclusive approach;
• Activities using traditional and percussive music;
• Group dynamics, dance circles and guided improvisation.
🎶 No dance experience needed — just come with an open heart and a willingness to move!
About Bellas da Silveira
Bellas da Silveira is a Black trans artist from Rio de Janeiro working across dance, performance, carnival arts and somatic practice. With a foundation in Afro-Brazilian and contemporary dance, her work celebrates the body as a site of joy, transformation and resistance.
This summer marks Bellas’ first European tour. Alongside her solo show Transitory: Between the Feminine and the Masculine, she brings powerful community workshops to the UK and beyond.
Bellas has performed and taught across Brazil with groups like Monobloco, ParaÃso do Tuiuti and Amigos da Onça, and at major festivals including Rock in Rio and Spanta. Her practice is grounded in ancestry, collective empowerment and radical embodiment.
🔥 Come dance, connect, and celebrate with us!
🧡 All bodies welcome
🪩 Come as you are
🎉 Leave feeling energised and inspired
Questions?
Email bookbellasdance@gmail.com or message us here!
Follow Bellas: @trans_bailarina
🌻 Welfare & Accessibility
The event will take place on the first floor (Croft Hall). However, we will make sure to support you and help make the space comfy and welcoming.
We’re always working to make our events safer and more inclusive. Please reach out if you have access needs or anything you’d like us to know.
PA's can always come free for people that need to classes. Just let us know on the door.
🌻 Low Income
- Low Income Ticket – £8
For students and those on Minimum Wage, Universal Credit, or in a similar financial situation. Very limited availability!
💗 Nobody is turned away for lack of funds. Please get in touch if you need extra support to attend our classes.
💗 If you're in a position to purchase a solidarity ticket, it really helps us offer more reduced and free spots.