Fall classes
WEDNESDAYS | THE DANCE CENTRE
Drop-Ins
Wednesdays, Samba Beg/Int
6pm, The Dance Centre, 677 Davie
Taught by Carine Carroll
This open-level class is intended for Beginner and Intermediate samba dancers. Class will operate by following a warmup, drilling your samba no pe, and sometimes brief choreography. This class is ideal for dancers still building their vocabulary and muscle memory when it comes to samba no pe. Dancers can expect samba drills and choreography in the 90bpm-120bpm range.
While this is not class geared towards absolute beginners with no samba experience, even those individuals can benefit from the repetition, stamina training, and choreo you'll get in this class each week! Dancers of all levels can find ways to identify and improve their styling and technique on a week to week basis through strength training and repetition of the fundamentals in order to work up to more advanced techniques.
Unsure what to wear to class? Make sure you’re wearing something comfortable, stretchy that you can sweat in! For footwear, we recommend runners, socks, or bare feet. Heels are optional, and your instructor can recommend show brands and styles appropriate for samba when dancers are ready to dance in them. ALL SHOES MUST HAVE A NON-MARKING SOLE. The rubber of your shoe must NOT leave behind any marks or scuffs on the light-grey dance floor.
Program Runs: Sept 2 - Sept 23
Discounts available for 6-class bundles | Drop- in rate: $25
See “Wednesday Class Pass” for multi-class discounts
*Class registrations are non-refundable and non-transferrable
By registering for this class, all participants agree to have read and abide by the Samba Fusion code of conduct
Wednesdays, Afro Samba
Open Level | Intermediate Samba Focus
7pm, The Dance Centre, 677 Davie
Taught by Carine Fortunato
This class is a powerful merger of Afro-Brazilian dance and Samba, designed to reconnect dancers with the sacred roots and cultural foundation of Samba. Open to all levels, this training will especially challenge and inspire dancers with intermediate Samba experience, while still welcoming beginners who are ready to learn and grow.
In this class, students will explore the foundation of Afro-Brazilian movement and understand how Afro dance traditions gave birth to Samba through history, rhythm, resistance, and celebration. You will build a stronger connection to the ground, develop deeper body awareness, and unlock movement that feels both ancestral and alive.
We will also study the movements inspired by the Orishas (Orixás)—powerful spiritual forces honoured in Afro-Brazilian culture—learning their symbolism, meanings, and how their energy influences movement, expression, and rhythm.
Expect a class that is intense, soulful, and empowering—where technique meets culture and dance becomes storytelling.
In this class you will:
Learn Afro-Brazilian foundations and body technique
Understand how Afro-Brazilian culture shaped Samba
Develop grounded, strong, and expressive movement
Explore Orisha-inspired movement and their meanings
Improve musicality, rhythm, and body control
Connect to African diaspora heritage through dance
Come ready to sweat, connect, and transform your dance from the inside out.
Unsure what to wear to class? Make sure you’re wearing something comfortable, stretchy that you can sweat in! For footwear, we recommend runners, socks, or bare feet. ALL SHOES MUST HAVE A NON-MARKING SOLE. The rubber of your shoe must NOT leave behind any marks or scuffs on the light-grey dance floor.
Program Runs: Sept 2 - Sept 23
Discounts available for 6-class bundles | Drop- in rate: $25
See “Wednesday Class Pass” for multi-class discounts
*Class registrations are non-refundable and non-transferrable
By registering for this class, all participants agree to have read and abide by the Samba Fusion code of conduct
Wednesdays, Samba INT/ADV
8pm, The Dance Centre, 677 Davie
Taught by Halie Scaletta
This intermediate-advanced level class is intended for experienced samba dancers. Class will operate by following a warmup, drilling your samba no pe, and sometimes brief choreography. This class is ideal for dancers with a strong foundational samba, dancers comfortable dancing at 130bpm or higher for extended periods of time, as well as a robust samba movement vocabulary (tranca, pullinho, gafiera movements, picadinho, contra-tempo, and more). Dancers can expect samba drills and choreography in the 130-150bpm range.
This class is not recommended for beginners or those with less than 2 years of samba experience, though all are welcome! Dancers who want to progress more quickly are encouraged to stack this class with Samba Afro, Samba BEG/INT, or all three!
Unsure what to wear to class? Make sure you’re wearing something comfortable, stretchy that you can sweat in! For footwear, we recommend runners, socks, or bare feet. Heels are optional, and your instructor can recommend show brands and styles appropriate for samba when dancers are ready to dance in them. ALL SHOES MUST HAVE A NON-MARKING SOLE. The rubber of your shoe must NOT leave behind any marks or scuffs on the light-grey dance floor.
Program Runs: September 2nd - September 23rd
Discounts available for 6-class bundles | Drop- in rate: $25
See “Wednesday Class Pass” for multi-class discounts
*Class registrations are non-refundable and non-transferrable
By registering for this class, all participants agree to have read and abide by the Samba Fusion code of conduct
Starting September 23rd
8-week Performance Challenges
Wednesdays, Samba 2 - Performance Challenge
6pm, The Dance Centre, 677 Davie
Taught by Carine Carroll
8 WEEKS OF INSTRUCTION
Program Dates: September 23rd-December 9th
No Classes on: September 30th, October 21st, November 11th
Mandatory Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday December 2nd, 6-9pm
ABOUT THE SESSION
This 8-week course is ideal for dancers still building their vocabulary and muscle memory when it comes to samba no pe. Dancers can expect samba drills and choreography in the 100bpm-120bpm range.
Dancers in this class should be able to comfortably samba having mastered their fundamental samba step at a 110BPM+ speed while in heels, and learn + demonstrate 45 seconds of choreography within a 1-hour class format. They will continue to hone their skills with more intricate footwork and weight transfers, turning steps, and increasing their samba speed in heels.
Participants will exhibit their Samba no Pe and performance skills in a new piece of choreography in a stunning costume that will both challenge them and enhance their samba training by putting it all on display for a Winter Recital performance in a gorgeous professional theatre for their friends and family to attend on Saturday, December 12th.
Directors reserve the right to divert participants to a more appropriate level where necessary. Dancers may be directed to co-enroll in continued skill development with private lessons or regular attendance of the Samba Improvers class in order to perform.
COSTUME
Dancers will source their own white or silver rhinestone bra or top. Samba Fusion can provide instructions, links to materials, and additional guidance for those making their own.
Dancers will also supply their own mid-blue denim cutoff shorts (high or low rise as desired)
Dancers must have their own platform samba heels
INVESTMENT
$200 - 8-weeks of class + instruction split into 2 payments (Does not include costume or performance)
$50 - Performance feeFinancing available upon request.
Performance fees go towards coordinating your performance, ordering and shipping your costume (where applicable), extra rehearsal time, and hiring a professional photographer/videographer for the performance.
Please note payment dates and deadlines. Failure to pay fees on time without prior arrangement may result in your removal from the performance without refund.
IMPORTANT DATES
Program Dates: September 23rd-December 9th
No Classes on: September 30th, October 21st, November 11th
Mandatory Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday December 2nd, 6-9pm
First Payment Due: At registration
Performance Confirmation Due: October 7th
Second Payment Due: November 11th
Performance Fee Due: November 30th
*Class registrations are non-refundable and non-transferrable
By registering for this class, all participants agree to have read and abide by the Samba Fusion code of conduct
Wednesdays, Samba 2 - Performance Challenge
7pm, The Dance Centre, 677 Davie
Taught by Carine Carroll
8 WEEKS OF INSTRUCTION
Program Dates: September 23rd-December 9th
No Classes on: September 30th, October 21st, November 11th
Mandatory Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday December 2nd, 6-9pm
ABOUT THE SESSION
This program is intended for dancers with previous Afro dance experience who are ready to deepen their technique, movement vocabulary, musicality, and performance skills. Participants should already have a working foundation in Afro movement and be comfortable learning choreography at a progressive pace, retaining material from week to week, and applying corrections to their technique and performance quality.
Training will explore Afro-Brazilian foundations, grounded movement, body awareness and control, rhythm, musicality, and expressive movement, alongside movements inspired by the Orixás and their cultural meanings. Dancers can expect physically demanding training that challenges coordination, stamina, dynamics, and their ability to embody movement with strength and intention.
Participants will exhibit their Afro immersion and performance skills in a new piece of choreography in a stunning costume that will both challenge them and enhance their samba training by putting it all on display for a Winter Recital performance in a gorgeous professional theatre for their friends and family to attend on Saturday, December 12th.
Directors reserve the right to divert participants to a more appropriate level where necessary. Dancers may be directed to co-enrol in continued skill development with private lessons or regular attendance of the Samba Improvers class in order to perform.
COSTUME
Dancers will source their own red performance pieces for approval as directed by their instructor
Think: earthy gauze, lace, ruffles, and layers. A mood board will be provided at a later date for a clearer reference.
skin-tone jazz shoes will be required for the performance for safety reasons
INVESTMENT
$200 - 8-weeks of class + instruction split into 2 payments (Does not include costume or performance)
$50 - Performance feeFinancing available upon request.
Performance fees go towards coordinating your performance, ordering and shipping your costume (where applicable), extra rehearsal time, and hiring a professional photographer/videographer for the performance.
Please note payment dates and deadlines. Failure to pay fees on time without prior arrangement may result in your removal from the performance without refund.
IMPORTANT DATES
Program Dates: September 23rd-December 9th
No Classes on: September 30th, October 21st, November 11th
Mandatory Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday December 2nd, 6-9pm
First Payment Due: At registration
Performance Confirmation Due: October 7th
Second Payment Due: November 11th
Performance Fee Due: November 30th
*Class registrations are non-refundable and non-transferrable
By registering for this class, all participants agree to have read and abide by the Samba Fusion code of conduct
Wednesdays, Samba 2 - Performance Challenge
8pm, The Dance Centre, 677 Davie
Taught by Halie Scaletta
8 WEEKS OF INSTRUCTION
Program Dates: September 23rd-December 9th
No Classes on: September 30th, October 21st, November 11th
Mandatory Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday December 2nd, 6-9pm
ABOUT THE SESSION
This program is intended for experienced samba dancers. It is ideal for dancers with a strong foundational samba who are comfortable dancing at 130bpm or higher for extended periods of time, as well as a robust samba movement vocabulary (tranca, pullinho, gafiera movements, picadinho, contra-tempo, and more). Dancers can expect samba drills and choreography in the 130-150bpm range. Dancers should be comfortable learning and exhibiting 60-90 seconds of choreography within a 1-hour class.
Performing at this level is not recommended for beginners or those with less than 2 years of samba experience, though all are welcome to audit the class for additional practice. Dancers who want to progress more quickly are encouraged to stack this class with Afro, Samba 2, or all three.
Participants will exhibit their Samba no Pe and performance skills in a new piece of choreography in a stunning costume that will both challenge them and enhance their samba training by putting it all on display for a Winter Recital performance in a gorgeous professional theatre for their friends and family to attend on Saturday, December 12th.
Directors reserve the right to divert participants to a more appropriate level where necessary. Dancers may be directed to co-enrol in continued skill development with private lessons or regular attendance of the Samba Improvers class in order to perform.
COSTUME
Dancers will perform in their own samba costume.
Dancers who do not have an appropriate costume may be offered the option to rent a costume exclusively for this performance for a $50 rental fee.
All costumes are subject to approval by Artistic Direction to ensure they are appropriate and cohesive with the performance. If a dancer’s costume is not approved, they will be offered a rental costume where available. Dancers must perform in an approved costume in order to participate in the performance.
INVESTMENT
$200 - 8-weeks of class + instruction split into 2 payments (Does not include costume or performance)
$50 - Performance feeFinancing available upon request.
Performance fees go towards coordinating your performance, ordering and shipping your costume (where applicable), extra rehearsal time, and hiring a professional photographer/videographer for the performance.
Please note payment dates and deadlines. Failure to pay fees on time without prior arrangement may result in your removal from the performance without refund.
IMPORTANT DATES
Program Dates: September 23rd-December 9th
No Classes on: September 30th, October 21st, November 11th
Mandatory Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday December 2nd, 6-9pm
First Payment Due: At registration
Performance Confirmation Due: October 7th
Second Payment Due: November 11th
Performance Fee Due: November 30th
*Class registrations are non-refundable and non-transferrable
By registering for this class, all participants agree to have read and abide by the Samba Fusion code of conduct
Thursdays | 750 at the Post
12-week samba beginners
Wednesdays, Samba 2 - Performance Challenge
6pm, The Post at 750, #110, 750 Hamilton St
Taught by Carine Carroll
12 WEEKS OF INSTRUCTION
Program Dates: October 1st - December 10th
Mandatory Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday December 2nd, 6-9pm, held at 677 Davie St
ABOUT THE SESSION
The Session: This is the beginner-friendly samba class you’ve been waiting for! Whether you’ve been wanting to try to learn samba, or you want to build your confidence by giving yourself a new goal to achieve- this is the session for you. Participants will learn basic samba technique, styling, and vocabulary in a weekly-class format. Participants will exhibit their style and performance skills in a new piece of choreography that will both challenge them and enhance their samba training by putting it all on display for a Winter Recital performance in a gorgeous professional theatre for their friends and family to attend on Saturday, December 12th at the Dance Centre Theatre.
The entire performance package includes 12 hours of in-class instruction, as well as dress rehearsal and an on-stage tech rehearsal to make sure you are feeling your very best before you get on stage. Performing is not mandatory, but we urge all of our students to strive for the stage!
INVESTMENT
$300 - 12-weeks of class + instruction split into 3x monthly payments (Does not include costume or performance)
$150 - Performance fee - due by October 7th for those wishing to perform.Financing available upon request.
Performance fees go towards coordinating your performance, ordering and shipping your costume (where applicable), extra rehearsal time, and hiring a professional photographer/videographer for the performance.
Please note payment dates and deadlines. Failure to pay fees on time without prior arrangement may result in your removal from the performance without refund.
IMPORTANT DATES
Program Dates: October 1st - December 10th
Mandatory Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday December 2nd, 6-9pm, held at
First Payment Due: October 1st
Performance Confirmation + Performance Fee Due: October 7th
Second Payment Due: November 1st
Performance Fee Due: December 1st
*Class registrations are non-refundable and non-transferrable
By registering for this class, all participants agree to have read and abide by the Samba Fusion code of conduct
The Samba School
Escola de Samba Fusion is the dance school division of Samba Fusion Inc, the lower mainland’s premier Brazilian Samba performance group. Our classes are taught by Halie Scaletta under the creative direction of our founder, Carine Fortunato. Our lessons and message stress that samba is not just a dance or a bikini show, it is a calling. Samba has a rich history that comes from the black people of Brazil and is a part of a culture that is owed respect, reverence, and grace. We learn our samba directly from our mentors in Brazil, and try to deliver the message of samba as authentically to our students, professionals, and professional clients as best as we can.
Give the gift of dance! A gift certificate can be used towards costume credits, private lessons, or any Samba Fusion classes. Be sure to include the name of the student you are purchasing for at checkout. Gift certificates are valid for up to one year from the date of purchase.
private coaching
Get a private, lesson with professoras de samba, Halie Scaletta or Carine Carroll. Whether you’re looking to improve your current samba skills or want a beginner’s foundation, your sixty-minute lesson can be tailored to your exact skill-set and goals. You can purchase a single session or a bundle of multiple sessions at a discounted rate. These lessons can be done remotely via Zoom, in-studio, or in-person outdoors.
Online downloadable classes
When you purchase an online class, you will be sent a confirmation that grants you download access to a PDF. You only have 24 hours to download the content following your purchase. The PDF contains weekly class info, as well as the link to view the class video. We offer a beginner’s samba class, and INT/ADV level class, and a Brazilian Funk class!
in-studio classes
We currently offer a range of Samba and Brazilian Dance classes for a range of experience levels. We have options for beginners and experienced dancers alike with offerings on Monday and Wednesday weekly. We offer indoor and outdoor classes on a 6-week rotating basis.







