Founder Raffa Falchi Macias leads a group of 90+ dancers in colorful pink and green costumes down Mission Street, with an audience watching from the sidewalk.
Founder Raffa Falchi Macias leads a group of 90+ dancers in colorful pink and green costumes down Mission Street, with an audience watching from the sidewalk.

Feel the energy of Brazil in San Francisco

Join an award-winning, beginner-friendly dance community. Take weekly classes, perform at San Francisco Carnaval, or bring the energy of Brazil to your next event.

Stop by a class or sign up to receive info and announcements

Learn Brazilian Samba in San Francisco

Classes & Workshops
Classes & Workshops
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A group of performers dancing on stage, wearing colorful pink and red costumes with feathered accessories and high heels, under stage lighting.

Returning in 2026 - live percussion workshop!

~10 weeks September - November of Thursday evening rehearsals ending with a weekend of performances at the ODC Theater. All levels welcome.

Sign up for the workshop via ODC.
Workshop classes $315 + estimated ~$100 costume fee
ODC Dance Commons - 351 Shotwell St, San Francisco, CA

Register for our Performance Workshop

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Man wearing sunglasses and a patterned jacket playing a drum with drumsticks, with a microphone nearby, outdoors with trees in the background.
Group of dancers performing on stage with a purple background, dressed in traditional white costumes with colorful sashes, some wearing headscarves, and one male dancer wearing a red bandana, smiling and dancing.

Join the Sambaxé community

Discover Brazilian samba in a welcoming community. No experience needed. Come dance, make friends, and experience the joy of Carnaval!

Sambaxé (Sam-Ba-Shay) is an inclusive, Brazilian-inspired music & dance company based in San Francisco. Founded by Creative Director and choreographer, Raffaella Falchi-Macias and Musical Director, Alfie Macias, we’re celebrating 20+ years of sharing Brazilian culture through samba no pé dance classes, percussion classes, performances, and music and dance retreats.

• • • • • •
Open Level Samba Classes
Performance Workshops
Private Samba Lessons
San Francisco Carnaval Parade
Bay Area Community Performances
Private Event Performances
Youth Drumming
• • • • • •

  • Check out our classes

    All-levels classes are held at ODC in San Francisco on Thursday evenings. True beginners are welcome!

    Raffa also offers performance workshops through ODC Dance Commons. See ODC for updates.

    Sign up at ODC

  • Join us for Carnaval

    Carnaval San Francisco hosts a Grand Parade over the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend each year. We love sharing the celebration with newcomers, including kids in our community. Find out how to get involved and join us in the Carnaval Parade!

    Learn more

  • Support our mission

    Our founder’s mission is that no one is turned away from participating in Carnaval due to lack of funds. Donations help us fund participation for low-income and youth members, so that sharing this cultural experience is not cost-prohibitive. Your donation allows us to share the gift of Brazilian dance in the Bay Area!

    Donate
Stage Show pt1 🤩🩷💚 Photo Credit: @robert_sfo_yvr Costumes: @brazilcarnivalshop Lisa’s exhibit of her past photos of Sambaxé in SF Carnaval is open now at in the YouthArtExchange main gallery at La Fenix Studios, 1950 Mission St. @1
Our vibrant colors 🤩🩷💚 Photo Credit: @jmisterjayphotography Costumes: @brazilcarnivalshop 💃🏽All Level Samba Class ⏰Every Thursday 6:45pm-8pm 📍ODC Dance Commons 351 Shotwell st Sambaxé earned 2nd place overall in the Grand Parade in 2
Beautiful Shots🤩🩷💚 Photo Credit: @mariordzmedia Costumes: @brazilcarnivalshop Lisa’s exhibit of her past photos of Sambaxé in SF Carnaval is open now at in the YouthArtExchange main gallery at La Fenix Studios, 1950 Mission St. @16
Shining Stars🩷💚 Photo Credit: @nucleocide Costumes: @brazilcarnivalshop 💃🏽All Level Samba Class ⏰Every Thursday 6:45pm-8pm 📍ODC Dance Commons 351 Shotwell st Sambaxé earned 2nd place overall in the Grand Parade in 2024 and we’d
We 🩷💚 our Baianas 🤩 Photo Credit: @clickedbyvp Costumes: @lucydiamondsinthesky 💃🏽All Level Samba Class ⏰Every Thursday 6:45pm-8pm 📍ODC Dance Commons 351 Shotwell st Sambaxé earned 2nd place overall in the Grand Parade in 2024 and we&
Our incredible Malandros🤩🩷💚 Photo Credit: @lisavleachphoto Costumes: @brazilcarnivalshop Lisa’s exhibit of her past photos of Sambaxé in SF Carnaval is open now at in the YouthArtExchange main gallery at La Fenix Studios, 1950 Miss
Missing the Mission🩷💚 Photo Credit: @clickedbyvp Costumes: @brazilcarnivalshop 💃🏽All Level Samba Class ⏰Every Thursday 6:45pm-8pm 📍ODC Dance Commons 351 Shotwell st Sambaxé earned 2nd place overall in the Grand Parade in 2024 and we&r
One week ago exactly 🩷💚 We miss it Photo Credit: @threepinfork Costumes: @brazilcarnivalshop 💃🏽All Level Samba Class ⏰Every Thursday 6:45pm-8pm 📍ODC Dance Commons 351 Shotwell st Sambaxé earned 2nd place overall in the Grand Parade i

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