Rhythms of Resistance: Afro-Brazilian Samba & Drum
Journey through the living legacy of Afro-Brazilian culture, where dance and drumming intertwine as acts of resilience and joy. Begin with Quenia Ribeiro’s Afro Samba class, tracing the artform’s evolution from Salvador da Bahia’s sacred Candomblé ceremonies to Rio’s Carnival parades. Then, amplify the energy with Deinya Phenix’s Brazilian Drum Workshop, channeling the thunderous spirit of Batalá—a global sisterhood of Black women reclaiming space through Samba Reggae. Together, these sessions honor Africa’s enduring heartbeat in Brazil, celebrating how rhythm fuels liberation, community, and unshakable pride.
⏰ 12PM Lawn Opens
⏰ 1PM Session Starts
Bring a mat, blankets., cozy layers, an eye masks/bandana/scarf to cover their eyes.and an open heart.
Also, we highly suggested packing snacks or a little pinic action so you may enjoy the lawn after the session.
Class Descriptions:
Afro Samba: From Orixás to Carnival with Quenia
Unearth the soul of Brazil through Samba, a dance born from the resilience of enslaved Africans and nurtured in the streets of Salvador da Bahia. Led by Rio de Janeiro native Quenia Ribeiro, this workshop immerses you in Samba’s multifaceted legacy—from the devotional Samba Afro of Candomblé rituals to the explosive Samba No Pé of Carnival. Class begins with a warm-up blending ballet precision and Afro-Brazilian isolations, progresses to intricate footwork and hip articulations, and closes with a cooling meditation honoring the Orixás (deities).
Samba Reggae & Sisterhood with Deinya Phenix
In this hands-on drum workshop, Deinya Phenix of Batalá New York guides you through the polyrhythmic fire of Samba Reggae—a genre born in Bahia’s Black liberation movements. Learn the roles of four key drums (surdos, repiques, snare, agogô), master stick technique, and sync with light choreography that marries Afro-Brazilian dance to percussive thunder. No experience needed—just a willingness to roar in unison with a community rooted in joy and defiance.
Your Instructors:
Quenia Ribeiro is a Rio-born virtuoso whose career spans 25 years of bridging Afro-Brazilian tradition with contemporary stages. A disciple of Orixá dance and former Capoeira practitioner, she’s performed from Athens to Martinique, earning acclaim for her fusion of ballet elegance and raw ancestral power. Since 1997, Quenia has shaped New York’s Samba scene, teaching at institutions like Alvin Ailey Extension and directing her company, Grupo Ribeiro. Her classes are a sanctuary where technique and spirituality collide, empowering students to dance as their ancestors’ wildest dreams.
Deinya Phenix, PhD, is a scholar, activist, and drumming force who has shaped Batalá New York into a beacon of Black feminist power. Starting her percussion journey in 2009 under Café da Silva, she rose from drummer to Artistic Director, leading 100+ women in performances from Brooklyn protests to Lincoln Center. A globetrotting educator, Deinya collaborates with Afro-diasporic masters worldwide, weaving sociology and spirituality into every beat. Her mission: to prove drums aren’t just instruments—they’re tools of transformation.
About Batalá:
Batalá New York is an all-women, Black-led drum army reclaiming space through Samba Reggae’s defiant joy. Part of a 30-band global network, they honor Afro-Brazilian spirituality while smashing stereotypes of who “belongs” on drums. Their performances—in streets, concert halls, and protests—are a declaration: Black women’s rhythm is revolution.
Your Facilitators:
Ishkara Heqwabti, is a Vocal Sound Mystic and Certified Kemetic Yoga Instructor
She curates immersive experiences using crystal singing bowls and pure toned instruments, chants, guided meditations, shamanic journeying, Akashic Readings and sacred movement to release blockages of negative emotions/trauma to manifest balance in your being and reactivate your light.
“My path is to help others achieve happiness through sacred sound.”
Ndigo, is a Certified Reiki/Holistic Practitioner and Founder of The Healing Drum Collective
She is a Spiritual Healer, Self-Published Author, Percussionist & Entrepreneur. She seeks to help people release negative thoughts and energy thru Reiki, positivity & grounding techniques. She promotes Ancient Egyptian/Kemetic principles, ie., MAAT and Sekhem. She helps people “Recharge and Reset!”
Chicava is a Universal Healing Tao Instructor and Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi instructor. She received my MFA in Interdisciplinary Art from Goddard College in sacred sexuality, spirituality performance art, and women of color in burlesque heritage. Her arts and spiritual studies converge through her school, Sacred Chrysalis, the space where the sacred sexuality of Taoist Womanly Arts, burlesque, and sistering community meet. She received my MFA in Interdisciplinary Art from Goddard College in sacred sexuality, spirituality performance art, and women of color in burlesque heritage.