Sambafunk!

- 1428 Alice St 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612

Sambafunk! is a dynamic collective of dancers, musicians, artists, and community members located in the heart of Oakland, California. More than a traditional dance school, Sambafunk! is a cultural movement dedicated to bringing the essence of Carnaval to life through African Diaspora-infused artistic techniques. The organization provides a unique and powerful space for dancers to not only learn the core elements of Brazilian dance but also to "grow, become in touch with themselves" and connect with their cultural roots. It’s an immersive experience that blends high-energy movement with a deep respect for tradition and community.

At its core, Sambafunk! is about empowering people through art and movement. The weekly "Samba Church" classes, which are held at the historic Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, are a testament to this philosophy. These classes are known for being full of positive energy, expert dance instruction, and community building. The collective believes that their impact should extend beyond the dance floor, and they actively work to preserve historic cultural art spaces and bring their message directly to the communities they serve. With an army of passionate volunteers and a founder with a deep love for the art and culture, Sambafunk! provides an unparalleled opportunity for anyone in the Bay Area to get a great workout while learning something truly meaningful. It is a welcoming universe where participants are not only students but also "Funkquarians," united by a love for dance and a dedication to their community.

Sambafunk! holds its primary weekly classes at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, located at 1428 Alice St, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612, USA. This is a significant and central location in Oakland's Lakeside Apartments District. The Malonga Casquelourd Center is a historic and well-regarded arts hub, making it a fitting home for a collective that is deeply rooted in culture and community. The address is conveniently situated within the city, with easy access to public transportation and major roadways. The center itself is a destination for many artists and performers, creating a vibrant and creative atmosphere.

While specific accessibility information for Sambafunk! is not publicly listed, the Malonga Casquelourd Center is a city-operated facility and is known for being a performance and art space that serves a wide range of people. As a result, it is reasonable to expect that the building itself has accessible features. The central location in Oakland is a major benefit for California residents, as it provides a practical and easy-to-reach spot for those living in the East Bay and surrounding areas. This convenience, combined with the reputation of the venue, makes attending classes and events a straightforward and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Services offered by Sambafunk! include:

• Weekly Dance Classes: Regular classes, such as the Sunday 'Samba Church,' that provide consistent dance instruction and community building.

• Dance Instruction: Expert teaching in Brazilian dance, focusing on African Diaspora-infused techniques.

• Music Creation: Opportunities for participants to engage in the musical side of the art form, including live drumming in classes.

• Stage Performances: The collective is involved in performances, including local events and festivals, offering students the chance to showcase their skills.

• Youth Programs: The school is listed as "Good for kids," indicating that they provide classes and a positive environment for younger dancers.

Features and highlights of Sambafunk! include:

• Cultural Immersion: The school goes beyond teaching dance steps to provide a deeper understanding of the culture, music, and history behind the art form.

• Community Building: It is a collective dedicated to fostering a sense of community, with a positive, energetic, and welcoming atmosphere.

• Physical Fitness: The classes are a great cardio workout, combining exercise with fun and expressive movement.

• Location: The classes are held at the historic Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, a renowned cultural hub in Oakland.

• Good for Kids: The programs are designed to be a safe and engaging environment for children to learn and grow.

• Live Music: Classes often feature live drums, which adds an authentic and invigorating element to the dance experience.

For more information, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1428 Alice St 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612, USA

Phone: (510) 451-6100

What is worth choosing Sambafunk!?

For anyone in the California Bay Area seeking a dance experience that is both physically rewarding and culturally enriching, Sambafunk! is an outstanding choice. What truly sets this collective apart is its deep commitment to authenticity and community. It's not just a commercial dance studio; it's a social movement. The experience of attending a SambaFunk! class is about more than just a workout—it's about learning the "core elements of Brazilian dance" through African Diaspora-infused techniques, all while connecting with a vibrant and positive community. The fact that the classes, referred to as "Samba Church," are held at the historic Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts further enhances the experience, grounding the practice in a physical space that is itself a hub of cultural expression. This is a place where every person, regardless of their background, can feel like they belong and are part of something bigger.

The added benefit of the class structure, which includes live drums, makes the learning process truly immersive and engaging. This is an experience that cannot be replicated in a standard gym class. The collective's dedication to making their art accessible to the community, including children, reinforces its value as a positive and enriching local resource. The focus on preserving historic cultural spaces and their commitment to community building are powerful reasons to choose to support this organization. In a region as diverse as California, finding a place that not only teaches dance but also celebrates and uplifts a specific cultural heritage is a rare opportunity. For these reasons—its authentic cultural education, strong sense of community, and the physical and emotional benefits of its classes—Sambafunk! is a fantastic and worthwhile choice for anyone looking to find their rhythm and connect with a lively community in Oakland.

Sambafunk!

1428 Alice St 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612, USA