Escola de Samba Denver

Escola de Samba Denver is Colorado's only internationally accredited samba school and performing company, operating as a sister school to Escola de Samba Sydney under the tutelage of international performing artist Sashya Jay. Formed in 2021 under the direction of Caitlin Brozna-Smith, the school is staffed by five teaching members who have trained in Rio de Janeiro and performed professionally at Rio Carnaval, serving as official Passistas for Escola de Samba União de Jacarepaguá and Sambistas for Unidos de Bangu.

The school teaches an extensive signature syllabus based on the curriculum of Carlinhos Salgueiro. In-studio classes run Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at Bella Diva World Dance Studio in Glendale, with a five-level progression in Samba no pé from absolute beginner through advanced, plus Ginga Vibe (open level), Samba Drills, and Brazilian drumming. The Beginners course teaches foundational footwork, hip movements, arm placement, and basic steps. Intermediate focuses on Sapateado technique, speed, hip isolations, caminhadas, and introduces rotation. Advanced dancers refine technique for Sapateado and Torção, study Passista styling, musicality, gingado, and freestyle according to rhythms like Pagode, Bateria, and Enredo. Samba Drills is an ongoing training class for building fitness, transitions, and Rio Passista movement at high speed, requiring prior completion of Improvers coursework.

Ginga Vibe draws on African Diaspora styles including Samba, Funk, Afro-Caribe, Dance Hall, Soca, and Lambada, incorporating cardio training and weekly dance combos. The school emphasizes that dance is for every body regardless of age, background, orientation, or level, with no prior dance experience required for beginners.

Online offerings include live Zoom classes aligned with the in-studio schedule (Mountain Standard Time) and an On-Demand membership ($20/month) granting access to pre-recorded samba lessons at all levels, drills packs, full choreographies, and classes from Bella Diva World Dance Studio's broader virtual academy (Belly Dance, Bollywood, Bhangra, Afro-Caribe, Hula, Tahitian, Tai Chi, Yoga). On-Demand members also receive monthly feedback via private message from director Caitlin.

The school operates a professional samba company providing dancers for hire, live Brazilian entertainment for corporate events, weddings, private functions, festivals, and charity events. Services include semi-annual student showcase performances and samba dancers with spectacular costumes and Brazilian drummers. Student testimonials highlight the inclusive, supportive environment and community-oriented culture.

Classes at all levels from absolute beginner to advanced. Expect detailed breakdown of samba footwork, hip movement, and timing in beginner courses; progressive technique refinement and musicality work in intermediate and advanced levels. Instructors provide ongoing assessment and advancement guidance. Semi-annual student showcases offer performance opportunities.

The teaching staff includes five instructors led by Artistic Director Caitlin Brozna-Smith. All instructors have extensive professional experience in Brazil, trained in Rio de Janeiro in 2023 with the masters, and performed at Rio Carnaval as official Passistas for Escola de Samba União de Jacarepaguá and Sambistas for Unidos de Bangu.

Absolutely beginner-friendly; the Samba Beginners course requires no prior dance experience and teaches foundational technique at a comfortable pace.