SambaFunk! w/ King Theo

I spent 5 years as a core member with the beautiful people of SambaFunk. They represent the best of Oakland with their funky, fabulous vibes. The Sunday afternoon 2-hour classes are definitely a fun cardio workout and a good introduction to various African and Brazilian dance styles. They could definitely benefit from providing a stronger emphasis on technique and expanding their offerings to youth and children.

Samba Funk is an amazing samba and Carnaval experience. I decided last year that I wanted to dance in the Carnaval parade and did some research and decided to try attending Samba Funk classes. I'm so happy I did -- what an encouraging and unique dance school experience for someone who is a total dance beginner!Samba Funk is truly a beautiful, inclusive, incredibly diverse family of black, people of color, and white dancers with a strong commitment to the African, Afro Brazilian, Afro Caribbean, Black, and Oakland roots of the samba funk dance experience! I always have a ton of fun, sweat like crazy, learn new histories, and leave smiling and happy. The live drumming is the highlight and samba dance is no joke... It's a legit fast paced workout. Thank you King Theo for your infectious energia total and pushing all of us to be our best selves!

High energy, great teachings, beautiful people, incredible drumming, tons of fun, all ages welcome, all skills level welcomed, family oriented, lots of love an acceptance.SambaFunk dance class starts with an exercise warm up session followed by the dance steps being taught. As class continues energy and speed pick up. While the dancers are in the dance studio learning and practicing the dance routine the drummers (bateria) are in a small studio right next to the dance studio working on the music that dancers dance to during the second phase of class. Second phase of class is when the drummers join in and play for the dancers. Dancers line up and dance across the floor as the music takes on an awesome crescendo that fills the room with drumming rhythmic beauty as the dancer display their grace, beauty and strength as they dance across the room.Class ends with a short cool down period. After class there is always a group photo as well as a special photo of just the 'first timers'.Easy payment via pre-paid class card or pay for each class when you arrive.Classes start at 4:00 pm and are upstairs in Malonga Center for the Artsrat a tat tat tat....SAMBAFUNK BABY!

Went to the Tuesday class with a couple of friends. It was our first time taking a Samba class and we all loved it. The instructor broke down the steps, was very patient, and very enthusiastic. I highly recommend it and can't wait to go back.

Get your sweat on in the most fun way...by shakin' yo booty!!!!Warm, welcoming, diverse, all-loving and encouraging group. Fantastic value both in community connectedness and $12 for 2 hours!

Not just a danceclass, not just a drumclass. It's a welcoming community, a family of artistic and creative souls from all walks of life, in all shapes, of all ages, and of all levels of dance. Together we dance, drum, and enjoy each other's company and enrich each other's lives. The dance routines are fun and the live drums add lots of energy to the class.SambaFunk! is a great way to get fit and a great way to make friends.

Had attended a couple classes before I started going consistently a little over two months ago. Had the opportunity to perform in my first Carnival in San Francisco and it was one of the highlights of my life! Everyone was so supportive of the "freshman class" and soooo encouraging!! Heck, within the last two months I've even lost 7 pounds!!! I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to give Samba a try but don't blame me if becomes something ya can't stop doing! Big ups to Samba Funk and King Theo!!

SO MUCH FUN!!! Today was my first time trying the class and it was a blast. There is such a friendly, positive attitude from Theo and all the dancers there. The live drumming takes everything up a notch. You feel it deep down in your soul! I'm definitely planning to go again.I appreciated how new students are made to feel welcome at Samba Funk. I had taken some samba classes previously, and it really came in handy. We didn't take time to go over the basic samba steps, but I found other students helping each other out and there is no judgment even if you are still figuring it out, only good vibes.

What a wonderful explosion of dance, culture, energy and community! Sunday classes are one big party, and if you're new it's fun to go and be welcomed by the group and be inspired by Theo, the amazing diversity of dancers, and the live drums! On Sundays you are thrown into the choreography without a lot of guidance, so just go with it and you'll be fine. It also gets super hot in Malonga, so bring a water bottle and be prepared to SWEAT! If you're interested in breaking down the choreography, I would also highly recommend Tuesday (in SF) and Wednesday (in Oakland) classes. The groups are smaller, you get to see Theo up-close, and there is a lot of break-down and drilling the choreography. I highly recommend experiencing the FUNK! :-)

SambaFunk is more than a dance class, its love, family, and unity!!!No matter where your from, black, white PURPLE, or green Sambafunk welcomes everyone with open hearts, and open arms. The best 2hr workout you will ever have to get you ready for those physical and mental challenges in life. Live drums will keep you on your feet, moven and grooven to the sambafunk beat!!!! Congratulations to King Theo to keep Sambafunk alive, and buliding a greater community.For more info please go to www.sambafunk.com