February 7th - 15th, 2025

Rio Samba Immersion Program 2025

We are thrilled to introduce an exclusive opportunity to dive deep into the heart of Rio de Janeiro's vibrant samba culture. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience designed for passionate dancers like you!

✓ Intimate & Intensive Dance Classes: Train with Rio's top directors of Passistas, samba dancers and choreographers in a series of guided classes tailored to elevate your skills and understanding of samba.

✓ Exclusive Excursions:

  • Samba School Nights: Experience the electrifying atmosphere of several traditional samba schools in Rio.

  • Cidade do Samba Tour: Get a behind-the-scenes look at where the magic of Carnival comes to life, from the creation of costumes to the stunning floats.

  • Musical Workshop: Dive into the rhythms of samba with a Mestre of Bateria (Master of Drums).

✓ Ensaio de Rua Outings: Immerse yourself in Rio's samba culture with a street rehearsal, where you'll witness the exhilarating energy of a samba school parading through the streets as they gear up for Carnaval.

Limited spots available

Location

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Dates

February 7th - February 15th, 2025

Hosted by

Raphaelle Charron & Selina Melo
JuntaSamba Dance Company

About the retreat

This tour is led by Raphaelle Charron, Artistic Director & Founder of JuntaSamba, and Selina Melo, Co-Director of JuntaSamba. Together, they bring over 20 years of expertise in Samba no Pé and extensive experience traveling to Brazil to perfect their craft. Their samba school "de coraçao" (favorite) is G.R.E.S. Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, one of the best and most traditional samba schools in Rio. They have had the honor of training and parading with Salgueiro as passistas, for Rapha extensively both in 2020 & 2024 and Selina had the opportunity for the first time in 2024!

With their deep love and passion for samba and Brazilian culture, they will guide you through every step of the journey, ensuring an authentic and enriching experience. Both Raphaelle and Selina are fluent in Portuguese and will provide translations throughout the experience in both English and French.

What’s included?

  • Accommodation in a shared apartment in Copacabana

  • 7 Intimate Dance classes with top samba professionals 

  • 2 Open Group Classes at samba schools, Salgueiro and Tuiuti 

  • 1 Musical Workshop with the Master of the Bateria of Salgueiro Samba School

  • 7 Cultural Excursions: 3 Samba School Nights + Cidade do Samba Tour + Museum of Samba + 2 Ensaio de Ruas (Street Rehearsals)

What’s not included:

  • Flights to Brazil not included

  • Transportation within Rio (to & from dance classes)

  • Food and beverages

  • Tourist excursions (such as visiting Sugarloaf Mountain, etc.)

Please note:
Travel Visas are required for Canadians to Enter Brazil (some of these rules may be changing in 2025, please look into whether this will affect your chosen travel dates)

The accommodation:

Stay in a beautiful shared apartment in the iconic Copacabana, just steps away from the beach. Enjoy the comfort and camaraderie of living with fellow participants as you soak in the vibrant energy of Rio.

How to apply?

Spaces are limited to ensure a personalized experience (10 people). First come, first served! Fill in our application form right now. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to dance, learn, and live samba in its birthplace!

We can't wait to samba with you in Rio!

With love,
Raphaelle Charron & Selina Melo
JuntaSamba Dance Company

The Investment

Spaces are limited to ensure a personalized experience (10 people). First come, first served! Fill in our application form right now. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to dance, learn, and live samba in its birthplace!

EARLY BIRD

$2,000

Payment plans available. Prices are before taxes. Early bird ends October 23rd, 2024

REGULAR PRICE

$2,400

Payment plans available. Prices are before taxes. Regular pricing starts October 23rd, 2024

The Schedule

  • Arrival and welcome dinner with the group

    • Samba Workshop with a Master Teacher

    • Samba Show at Famous Samba School

    • Samba Workshop with a Master Teacher

    • Outing at another Famous Samba School

    • Samba Workshop with a Master Teacher

    • Cultural Visit : Museum of Samba

    • Outing at an Ensaio de Rua (Samba rehearsal)

    • Samba Workshop with a Master Teacher

    • Samba Class in Samba School

    • Samba Workshop with a Master Teacher

    • Samba Class in Samba School

    • Cultural Visit : The city of Samba

    • Samba Workshop with aMaster Teacher

    • Outing at an Ensaio de Rua (Samba rehearsal)

  • Friday the 14th 

    • Musical Workshop with Masters of Bateria

    • Samba Workshop with Master Teacher

    • Samba Show at Famous Samba School

    Day 9: Saturday the 15th

    • Farewell Brunch and Check-Out

* Please note Schedule is subject to changes or minor adjustments.

With our deep love & passion for samba & the Brazilian culture, we will guide you through every step of the journey, ensuring an authentic & enriching experience