ABOUT THE ESCOLA
Escola de Samba Melbourne is a dedicated school of Brazilian Dance. As a branch of Australia’s foremost Brazilian dance school, Escola de Samba Sydney, we are committed to delivering an authentic and progressive calibre of Brazilian dance education.
Escola de Samba Melbourne’s classes align with the Sydney curriculum based on Carlinhos Salgueiro’s world-renowned technique and Escola de Samba Sydney’s signature syllabus.
Passionate about fostering community connection, Escola de Samba Melbourne features a team of passionate and experienced instructors sharing their love for Brazilian dance culture with students and nurturing them to grow and be their best dance selves!
Escola de Samba Melbourne offers regular classes in Samba and Funk, along with guest workshops held throughout the year.
OUR PURPOSE, OUR PASSION
We are dedicated to the integrity of Brazilian dance education. We are passionate about sharing our experience and love for Brazilian dance culture with all our students and nurturing them to grow and be their best dance selves!
THE STRENGTH OF OUR INSTRUCTOR TEAM
The Escola’s director and head instructor Sashya Jay is Australia’s most recognised Brazilian Samba director, choreographer and artist. Musa of Rio's most famous Samba school, Mangueira, she one of only a handful of artists worldwide who are officially endorsed by Brazil’s “King of Samba” Carlinhos Salgueiro and Mangueira's Rainha (queen) de Bateria, Evelyn Bastos to teach their techniques.
Sashya has formulated Escola's signature Samba syllabus from her years of unparalleled experience working with the best of the best in Brazil, parading in Rio Carnaval and being at the forefront of Samba in Australia. She is known internationally for "changing the game" both in the way that Samba is taught and represented outside Brasil and also for leading the way for other international dancers to experience Carnaval in Rio.
Escola de Samba Melbourne is proud to have a team of dedicated instructors with extensive experience and passion for Brazilian dance.
Our instructors have trained in Brazil with world-renowned Samba masters, performed in Rio Carnaval, and represented top Samba schools such as Vila Isabel, Mocidade Independente, and Unidos de Bangu. Their commitment to honouring Samba’s rich cultural heritage and fostering community connection shines through in every class.
This exceptional experience and dedication are the foundation of our vibrant and inclusive dance community.
BIGGER
PICTURE
Escola de Samba Melbourne is part of a dynamic network of Brazilian dance schools founded by Sashya Jay, including Escola de Samba Sydney, Adelaide, and Denver. Together, these schools are dedicated to sharing the energy, culture, and artistry of Brazilian dance with communities around the world.
Since 2016, Sashya Jay’s vision for Samba International and Escola de Samba Sydney has created unparalleled opportunities for students and Carnaval enthusiasts to train authentically and even parade in Rio de Janeiro Carnaval. Samba International also hosted the Australia Samba Congress in 2018 and 2019, showcasing Brazil’s rich cultural heritage.
Escola de Samba Melbourne shares the same commitment to excellence as its sister schools. The instructors in Melbourne are trained by Escola de Samba Sydney, ensuring the highest standard of teaching while fostering an inclusive and passionate community.
Additionally, Rio Projekt, led by Sashya Jay, is the premier Brazilian entertainment company, providing the highest standard of authentic Brazilian shows and experiences for events. It also serves as home to Escola de Samba Sydney’s exceptional instructor team, delivering both extravagant live performances and the renowned theatre-style production The Carnaval Experience.
Together, these schools and Rio Projekt create a global network of Samba enthusiasts who celebrate the culture and traditions of this incredible dance.