We will tell our own Story

From humble beginnings as a local dance co-operative in the early 2000's in Sydney's inner west, we now have a national membership base and the backing of a Doctoral research project to tell our story of how we grew from two pioneer visiting artists in the 1950's, to a strong community with global reach.

2026

Through our 'Shared Rhythms" community history project, we are developing new creative works, partnerships, and learning spaces that support wellbeing, social sustainability, and ethical Afro-Brazilian cultural transmission in Australia and beyond.

February - Launch of the National Demographic Survey informed by Community informed Doctoral Research.
March - Auspicing Melbourne Samba Encontro whole of community annual gathering
April - Touring Sentimiento (Afro Brazilian Dance short film) on the film festival circuit.
May - Production, Post Production and Educational Seminars (cultural sharing and exchange) on the shared Rhythms Project - to Dec 2027

2025

Continuity and Care

Finding our feet in our new offerings

Documentary research
Festa Da Bahia annual event
Cultural mentoring continuing
Pre production of "Shared Rhythms" History of Samba in Australia project
Exploration of a cultural space for the future.

Festival Da Bahia_2023 imaage_edited.jpg

2023 & 2024

Reconnecting with Roots and a Refresh

Marks a period of reflection, connection and rebranding.

Partnering with local Aboriginal organisations and other cultures to share our stories and celebrate our traditions.

We consulted widely for our next steps

2022

Online Zoom exchange handed over and now running sustainably by host community in Brazil.

Launched as National Charity and Cultural organisation

Hugely successful Pablo Guerreiro cultural exchange with artist paid a fair and living wage whilst he toured Australia

Reviewed and changed structure to reflect our national presence.

Farewelled and welcomed new Directors into our new organisation

2021

Rio De Janeiro, Salvador Bahia – Brasil | Auckland – New Zealand | Los Angeles – USA | Australia – SA, NT, NSW, VIC, WA, ACT and QLD

A full year online program of Silvestre Technique with participants from New Zealand, Australia, Unites States and Brazil. 5 Countries, 12 Cities and 30 people training online 1 time per week.
Seminars and talks with Novembro Corpo Negro (Bahia) e Musica Nas Communidades (Rio).
Commenced registration as a National Charitable Organisation and Cultural Organisation.
Community Membership survey on What Next.
Commenced planning for a documentary on how Samba Came to Australia (in partnership com the University of Newcastle PHD Program).
Festival da Bahia (organised by Director Mestre Val of Melbourne).
Cultural Exchange between Adelaide, Northern Territory and Brisbane (with Directors, Julio, Gianne, Sooz, Talita and Liz)..

2020

Rio De Janeiro, Salvador Bahia – Brasil | Auckland – New Zealand | Los Angeles – USA | Australia – SA, NT, NSW, VIC, WA, ACT and QLD

Ran online Zoom exchange March – December for Silvestre technique with particpants from New Zealand, Australia, USA and Brazil, 5 countries, 12 cities, 30 people training online 3 x per week.
Assisting La Bomba Cultural Tour of Rio de Janeiro
Co-hosted Mestre Badaro of Viver Brazil in Sydney explored online hosting and classes, and internships.
Ran online Zoom exchange March – December for Silvestre technique with particpants from New Zealand, Australia, USA and Brazil, 5 countries, 12 cities, 30 people training online 3 x per week.
Assisting La Bomba Cultural Tour of Rio de Janeiro
Worked with Uon Network Navigator for business model coaching and development.

2019

Rio De Janeiro | Los Angeles – USA | Australia – SA, NT, NSW and QLD

Exchange with International Samba Congress USA
Facilitating a talk on the future of Samba
Commence creating archive of materials on on Samba and Community for cultural documentation
Teaching at Australian Samba Retreat in Adelaide (Nov)
Cultural Exchange with Matheus Oliverio, Mestre Sala da Mangueira
Hosting Vera Passos (international artist) for Australia Samba Congress)

2018

Rio De Janeiro | Los Angeles – USA | Australia – NSW

Exchange with International Samba Congress USA, presenting the short film ‘Sentimiento’.
Visit to Brasil to learn Gafiera
Volunteer artist coordinator for Australia Samba Congress
Afro Brazilian Congress, exchange with Rosangela Silvestre