Dance + Drumming Classes
January Samba Fundamentals Workshop
Join us for 3 weeks in January to get a taste for the upcoming Carnaval season! All levels welcome.
Saturdays January 17, 24, 31
11:30am- 1pm
La Scuola San Carlos Gym - 741 South Van Ness Ave, SF 94110
$35 per class, or $90 for 3-part series. Drop ins welcome. Sign up on Eventbrite or in person.
2026 Carnaval Parade Season - Feb - May
Register to dance with us in the parade or drop in to try it out! All levels welcome.
Read more on what to expect from a Carnaval Parade season with us.
Saturdays Feb 7 - May 16
11:30am - 1pm
La Scuola San Carlos Gym - 741 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA
$25 per class. Drop ins welcome. Parade registration & costume costs separate. Learn more
Thursday Evening Samba - Year Round
Samba Dancing - Open Level
Thursdays 6:45pm-8pm
Sign up for class via ODC. Price varies by class card purchase.
ODC Dance Commons - 351 Shotwell St, San Francisco, CA
Stop by for an introduction to samba or learn how to refine your moves. All levels welcome.
Wear comfortable clothing like a t-shirt and leggings. Dance shoes, sneakers, bare feet are all welcome.
Afro-Brazilian Percussion Class
Family-focused, all levels welcome. All instruments included. Taught by Alfie Macias
Fridays
5:30pm - 7pm
Youth and Students $5, Adults & Families $10. Cost per class is sliding scale, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
400 Geneva Ave, at the corner of San Jose Ave, San Francisco, CA
Private lessons with Raffaella
New to samba and want some extra help to learn the basics? Experienced with samba and looking to refine your skills?
Reach out to schedule an individual or small group private lesson. Pricing and availability based on group size.
Email sambaraffa@gmail.com
Performance Workshop - Winter Season
Samba Dancing - Open Level
Thursdays 7:45pm-9pm, Sept - Nov
Sign up for class via ODC. Prices are typically $32.50 drop in, $300 full class series, costume fee estimate $100
ODC Dance Commons - 351 Shotwell St, San Francisco, CA
In addition to weekly classes, Raffa offers workshops through ODC Dance Commons. Workshops are typically ~10 weeks of rehearsals that end with a weekend of performances in full costume. In a showcase featuring ~8 other ODC workshop groups of various dance styles, you will show off a choreographed samba piece to family, friends, and our local community. All levels welcome. Come try samba for the first time or refine your skills!
Stay tuned for 2026!