About

JUNTASAMBA SCHOOL AND PERFORMANCE COMPANY

MONTREAL BASED SAMBA SCHOOL + COMPANY

Samba is so special to us because it became a tool for self-love, our treasure, and helped to change our relationship with the body and ourselves

JuntaSamba is a Montreal Based Samba dance school and dance company. We are very passionate about Brazilian culture and about sharing the history of Samba. Our community promotes growth and respect, encouraging each other to push beyond limitations to learn and celebrate ourselves.

One of our priority's is to respect the culture, honor the artistry and promote authenticity.

In its history, Samba has always been able to transform difficult times into moments of hope, liberation, and happiness through music and dance. JuntaSamba exists to share the magic, joy, and freedom of dancing Samba with Montrealer's.

Our teachers aim to educate in a patient, caring, open-minded, and loving environment. We want you to go and feel comfortable in a space where you can express and release yourself. We intentionally create our Samba classes and workshops so that they can be open for everyone and anyone.

Samba is so special to us because it became a tool for self-love, our treasure, & helped to change our relationship with the body & ourselves

MONTREAL BASED SAMBA SCHOOL + COMPANY

JuntaSamba is a Montreal Based Samba dance school and dance company. We are very passionate about Brazilian culture and about sharing the history of Samba. Our community promotes growth and respect, encouraging each other to push beyond limitations to learn and celebrate ourselves.

Our teachers aim to educate in a patient, caring, open-minded, and loving environment. We want you to go and feel comfortable in a space where you can express and release yourself. We intentionally create our Samba classes and workshops so that they can be open for everyone and anyone.

One of our priority's is to respect the culture, honor the artistry and promote authenticity.

In its history, Samba has always been able to transform difficult times into moments of hope, liberation, and happiness through music and dance. JuntaSamba exists to share the magic, joy, and freedom of dancing Samba with Montrealer's.

We Value

COMMUNITY

GROWTH

CELEBRATION

Testimonials

It is always a real happiness when I finish a samba lesson with Rapha! With each session, I am progressing technically and in terms of improvisation and self-confidence. While encouraging me to get out of my comfort zone, her excellent pedagogy and gentle and reassuring approach always make me feel good and accomplished. I recommend her classes 100%: physically and mentally, I am fulfilled from A to Z.

Perrine L.

The experience of being immersed with Rapha in the world of Brazilian Samba transported me to the heart of my power. Through this series of private lessons, learning the steps was just a pretext to dive into my courage to be fully seen. Rapha is an equipped guide who lovingly and kindly facilitates an exploration of the body through a medium that promotes the expression of our profound nature. The level of her talent, her passion for this dance, and sensitivity make Rapha a queen of this style and a teacher who inspires and offers me a space where I can affirm my power. Thanks thanks thanks!!

Valérie B.

Rapha is an excellent dancer, but she is also an excellent teacher. She will know how to put you at ease and pass on her passion for dance and her knowledge, all in a relaxed atmosphere.

Shirley 💗

FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF JUNTASAMBA

About Rapha

Rapha has been studying Samba for nearly 13 years, beginning her journey in Salvador Bahia to immerse herself in Afro-Brazilian dances and Samba. She continued her studies at FUNCEB, where she learned from notable dancers, including Rosangela Silvestre, Vera Passos, Tatiana Campelo, and Vânia Oliveira.

In 2018, Rapha moved to Toronto to dance for the Dance Migration Company while teaching alongside Adrianna Yanuziello. She also studied Samba in Rio de Janeiro and danced as a Passista for Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, one of Rio's leading Samba schools, in 2020. In 2024, Rapha had the honor of returning as a Passista for Salgueiro and is now an official Passista for the esteemed Samba school. Over the years, she has dedicated herself to training with some of the top Maestros in Samba, such as Carlinhos do Salgueiro, Mayara Santos, Patrick Carvalho, Luara Bombom, Washington Silva and more.

Rapha has been a Samba instructor for nine years, sharing her knowledge and passion with students in her hometown and beyond. She has been traveling to Brazil for a decade to deepen her understanding of Samba and its cultural roots. Her commitment to fostering cultural exchange has led her to bring renowned Brazilian artists, such as Carlinhos do Salgueiro and Mayombe Masai, to Montreal to share their artistry with her students.

Most recently, Rapha produced JuntaSamba's first show, "A Journey to Rio," in December 2024. This remarkable production involved numerous collaborators, students, and company dancers, showcasing the vibrancy and richness of Samba culture. Additionally, she appeared in the auditions of RÉVOLUTION SEASON 4, further spreading her love and passion for Samba with a broader audience.

Rapha is thrilled to continue sharing her expertise, experiences, and love for Samba with her community and beyond, inspiring others to connect with the energy and joy of this incredible art form.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF JUNTASAMBA

About Raphaëlle Charron

Rapha has been studying Samba for over a decade, beginning her journey in Salvador Bahia to learn about Afro-Brazilian dances and Samba. She continued her studies at FUNCEB, where she learned from notable dancers, including Rosangela Silvestre, Vera Passos, Tatiana Campelo, and Vânia Oliveira.

In 2018, Rapha moved to Toronto to dance for the Dance Migration Company while teaching alongside Adrianna Yanuziello. She also studied Samba in Rio de Janeiro and danced as a Passista for Academicos do Salgueiro, one of Rio's leading Samba schools, in 2020. Throughout the years, she has dedicated herself to training and learning from some of the top Maestro's in Samba, such as Carlinhos do Salgueiro, Mayara Santos, Patrick Carvalho, Kellyn Rosa, and Alex Coutinho.

Additionally, Rapha has been a Samba instructor for over seven years and, most recently, appeared in the auditions of RÉVOLUTION SEASON 4 to continue spreading her love and passion for Samba with a larger community. She’s so happy to be able to share her expertise and passion for Samba with the people in her hometown!

CO-DIRECTOR & TEACHER

About Selina

Selina fell in love with samba nearly a decade ago and has been diving into the study of it ever since. Through her many trips to Brazil, she’s had the honour of training with many of Rio’s top samba dancers, choreographers and teachers including Carlinhos do Salgueiro, Amanda Omin, Alex Coutinho, Patrick Carvalho and Mayara Santos, among others. To further deepen her knowledge of samba and afro brazilian dances, she has also spent time in Salvador and Morro de São Paulo, training in Orixas movement and Silvestre technique.

She is grateful to have experienced the magic of carnival firsthand, having paraded with Rio’s samba schools in the famous Sambadrome several times! On her most recent trip in February, she had the pleasure of parading with Paraiso de Tuiuti as well as Inocentes de Belford Roxo led by Carlinhos do Salgueiro.

Another highlight of her samba journey was when, in 2016, she had the opportunity to travel to Colombia to perform as a samba dancer in the Festival Reinado de Bambuco. Whether performing in Montreal or abroad, Selina is passionate about spreading the joy of samba with others.

She is now teaching and excited to be sharing her knowledge with the students of JuntaSamba!