Brazilian Dance Celebration – Cultural Community Connection Series
July 22 @ 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm
Join The Whole U and the Office of Healthcare Equity on Wednesday, July 22, from noon to 12:50 p.m. at Harborview Medical Center’s View Park for a joyful celebration of Brazilian culture through movement, music and community.
Set against the backdrop of summer in View Park, this outdoor experience offers a unique opportunity to celebrate culture, connect with colleagues and enjoy movement in the fresh air. Participants will learn dances rooted in the rich cultural traditions of Brazil, including Afro-Brazilian dance, Samba de Roda, Samba no Pé, Samba Reggae, Forró and Carnival-inspired street dances.
Class details:
Suitable for all levels, this welcoming class invites participants to move, connect and experience the joy and energy of Brazilian culture. No prior dance experience is necessary—just come ready to sway, sweat and smile. We encourage everyone to arrive a few minutes early to get settled into the space. Please bring water, comfortable clothing and your best self. All are welcome.
About the series:
This opportunity is provided in collaboration with the Office of Healthcare Equity and The Whole U. Through wellness experiences that celebrate culture, identity and community, this partnership creates opportunities for employees to connect, learn and support one another through movement and shared experiences.
Affinity groups currently take place through UW Medicine’s Cultural Community Connection event series, which celebrates all backgrounds, ethnicities and identities while fostering learning, belonging and connection. These opportunities are open to all who support and are committed to this mission.
Meet your instructor: Daniel Nery dos Santos (Mestre Pitta)
Daniel Nery dos Santos, known as Mestre Pitta, was born and raised in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. With more than 30 years of training in Capoeira and Afro-Brazilian dance, he joyfully shares his native Afro-Brazilian heritage through two of the most significant artistic expressions of Black Brazilian culture.
Daniel’s professional training and ability to transmit the vibrant energy of Brazil create engaging and uplifting experiences for participants of all backgrounds. He believes the lessons found in Brazilian dance and Capoeira help us build stronger connections with ourselves, one another and the world around us.
Daniel and his wife, Aileen Panke, are co-directors of Brasil In Motion, an award-winning Brazilian arts organization based in Seattle. Together, they provide classes, performances, educational programs and cultural immersion experiences centered on Afro-Brazilian cultural heritage.
