Photography: Nitish Naharas

Co-Directors, Monique and Raffaella, began exploring Brazilian culture and dance at different times in their lives but found that their shared creativity and passion enriched their experience, which led them to form Sambamora.

Sambamora works with different groups which is why they are define themselves as a collaborative team rather than only a dance group.

We provide classes, private lessons, costume design and workshops, and dance performances for parties, promotion, club venues, and special events.

We believe that dance should be an empowering and positive experience and we strive to provide this atmosphere for those we work with and those who attend our classes. We try to create a safe space for development, confidence building, open interaction and expression.

We provide outstanding shows and create incredible original costumes. Those we work with value our flexibility, professionalism and easy going demeanors while making their events successful, enjoyable and something to remember.

"Dance is an expression of self and a celebration of life—it should always be fun!"

About Monique

Monique was named San Francisco’s 2006 Queen of Carnaval in her first year competing for the title.

She has been studying and performing Brazilian dance since 1993 when she joined the late Carlos Aceituno's amazing group, Fogo Na Roupa. Monique has danced with many popular local Bay Area groups in addition to performing as freelance dancer. She shares Raffaella's enthusiasm for design.

Monique is on the Board of Directors for the Black Choreographers Festival: Here and Now.

She is in the process of completing her Masters in Counseling Psychology.

About Raffaella

Raffaella has been a professional Brazilian dance performer since 1998. She has danced with numerous Brazilian dance companies in the Bay Area as well as internationally in Europe and Brazil. Raffaella has a passion for costume design and creation and creates all the costumes for her Performance Dance Classes.

Her Oakland class at Gold’s Gym won her the award of “Best Samba class of the Bay 2004” from the readers of the East Bay Express and her San Francisco classes reach maximum capacity.

She completed her Masters in Architecture in 2007.