Raffaella Falchi-Macias

Raffaella Falchi is the Founder and Artistic Director of Sambaxé Dance Company, founded in 2005. She began studying Brazilian dance in 1996 and has studied extensively with dancers and choreographers in Rio de Janeiro & Bahia, Brazil. She has been teaching Brazilian inspired movement & dance to both adults and youth in San Francisco for the last decade and is passionate about continuing to share Brazilian culture through music and dance retreats in Brazil, Cuba and Mexico. Her company has performed in theaters, dance festivals and events locally and internationally.

In addition to leading Sambaxé, she is a Brazilian Samba Dance instructor at ODC/Dance. Outside of dance, she is the Executive Director at Youth Art Exchange, which offers free visual and performing arts classes to San Francisco public high school students. She holds a MArch from California College of the Arts and a BA from UC Berkeley in Psychology and Art.

  • Check out our classes

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

    In addition to regular classes, Raffa periodically offers workshops through ODC Dance Commons. These programs run ~10 weeks and include a performance at the end. See ODC for updates.

    Sign up for class through ODC

  • Join us for Carnaval

    Carnaval San Francisco hosts a Grand Parade over the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend each year. In 2022 & 2023, Sambaxé won 1st place in the Brazilian category, and in 2024, we leveled up and won 2nd place in the parade overall! We love sharing the celebration with newcomers, including kids in our community. Learn more about how to get involved and join us for Carnaval 2025!

    Learn more

  • Support our mission

    The beautiful feathers, jewels, and colorful costumes add up. Still, Raffa’s mission is that no one is turned away from participating in Carnaval due to finances. Donations help us fund participation for low-income and youth members. Consider donating so we can continue to share the gift of Brazilian dance in the Bay Area!

    Donate

  • My Love Affair with Carnaval

    By Raffaella Falchi

    Read the article

  • Creating a safe space to learn: A conversation with Raffaella Falchi

    By Maya Kitayama

    Read the article

  • Saving Carnaval: The Woman Enticing the Mission’s Tech Newcomers into the Samba Spirit

    By Marica Petrey

    Read the article