Bem-vendo ao Estúdio de Samba Wellington

Estúdio de Samba Wellington was founded by Suzi Imes, a passionate dancer and teacher with over a decade of experience in Samba and other Latin dance styles. Suzi is proud to bring the rich spirit of Samba no pé to Wellington’s dance community.

Samba no pé is more than just a dance - it’s an expression of joy, resistance, and identity. Born from Brazil’s Afro-Brazilian roots, samba carries the soul of a people who found strength in rhythm and freedom in movement. Shaped by the cultural blend of West African traditions and Portuguese colonisation, samba has become a vibrant symbol of Brazil’s history, diversity, and celebration of life.

At Estúdio de Samba, we honour these roots by exploring samba as both a cultural and physical art form - one that connects body, music, and spirit. Whether you’re dancing in the studio or on a stage, every step carries the pulse of a rich legacy.

Beginner Samba Course

Our 6-week beginner course introduces you to the foundations of Samba no pé - not just the steps, but the feeling behind them. You'll learn the basics of movement and choreography while discovering the story samba tells: one of joy, community, and resilience. No experience or partner needed - just a love for rhythm and a willingness to move.

Improvers Classes

For those ready to dive deeper, our improvers classes help you refine your technique and develop your own samba style. We focus on musical connection, body awareness, performance quality, and emotional expression - all while honouring samba’s cultural roots.

Intermediate Classes

In our intermediate classes, we go deeper into the technique and musicality of samba. You’ll refine your hip isolations, transitions, and movement control while developing your own unique style. We also explore performance skills, samba history, and the deeper emotional layers of the dance. These classes help you grow not only as a dancer, but as a storyteller through movement.

Advanced Samba Course

Our advanced course is designed for dancers ready to push their boundaries. With a strong focus on speed, stamina, improvisation, and stage presence, you’ll be challenged to perform like a true passista. Choreographies become more complex, and we place a strong emphasis on precision, projection, and personal expression. These classes are ideal for dancers seeking professional development or preparing for performance opportunities.

Culture Through Movement

Every class is grounded in samba’s cultural context — from Carnival traditions to the drums that drive the dance. We believe understanding where samba comes from makes you a stronger, more connected dancer.

Performances & Events

Our professional team is available for events and festivals. With highly trained passistas and our own live bateria, we bring the infectious energy of Brazilian samba straight to your stage. Colour, rhythm, and pure joy — guaranteed.

Join Us

Courses run year-round in 6-week terms. Whether you're just starting out or seeking advanced training, there’s a place for you in our community.

Step into the rhythm. Celebrate the culture. Discover the joy of samba at Estúdio de Samba Wellington.