New Year,
New You!
Learn to samba with us in 2026!
Check out our classes, workshops, or join us in the Carnaval Parade!
Stop by a class or sign up to receive info and announcements
Join our samba workshop for 3 weeks in January to get a taste for the upcoming Carnaval season! All levels welcome. Come try samba for the first time or refine your skills!
Saturdays January 17, 24, 31
11:30am- 1pm
741 South Van Ness Ave, SF 94110
$35 per class, or $90 for 3-part series. Drop ins welcome.
January 2026 Samba Fundamentals Workshop
Register to dance with us in the parade or drop in to try it out! All levels welcome.
Saturdays Feb 7 - May 16
11:30am - 1pm
La Scuola San Carlos Gym - 741 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA
$25 per class. Drop ins welcome. Parade registration & costume costs separate. Learn more
Now Open: 2026 Carnaval Parade Dancer Registration
Afro-Brazilian Percussion Class
Family-focused, all levels welcome. All instruments included. Taught by Alfie Macias
Fridays
5:30pm - 7pm
Youth and Students $5, Adults & Families $10. Cost per class is sliding scale, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
400 Geneva Ave, at the corner of San Jose Ave, San Francisco, CA
Join the Sambaxé community
Weekly Samba Classes at ODC Dance Commons • San Francisco’s Carnaval Parade • Bay Area Community Performances • Performance Workshops • Private Samba Lessons • Private Event Performances • Youth Drumming
Sambaxé (Sam-Ba-Shay) is an inclusive, Brazilian-inspired music & dance company based in San Francisco. Founded by Creative Director, dancer, and choreographer, Raffaella Falchi-Macias and Musical Director, Alfie Macias, we’re celebrating 20+ years of sharing Brazilian culture through dance classes, percussion classes, performances and music and dance retreats.
Each Memorial Day Weekend we participate in the Carnaval San Francisco Grand Parade. In 2022 & 2023, Sambaxé won 1st place in the Brazilian category, and in 2024, we leveled up and won 2nd place in the parade overall!
Join us for classes and performance workshops at ODC Dance School in the Mission. We start parade preparations at the beginning of each year. All are welcome!
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Check out our classes
All-levels classes are held at ODC in San Francisco on Thursday evenings. True beginners are welcome!
In addition to regular classes, Raffa periodically offers workshops through ODC Dance Commons. These programs run ~10 weeks and include a performance at the end. See ODC for updates. -
Join us for Carnaval
Carnaval San Francisco hosts a Grand Parade over the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend each year. In 2022 & 2023, Sambaxé won 1st place in the Brazilian category, and in 2024, we leveled up and won 2nd place in the parade overall! We love sharing the celebration with newcomers, including kids in our community. Find out how to get involved and join us for Carnaval 2026!
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Support our mission
The beautiful feathers, jewels, and colorful costumes add up. Still, Raffa’s mission is that no one is turned away from participating in Carnaval due to finances. Donations help us fund participation for low-income and youth members, so that sharing this cultural experience is not cost-prohibitive. Consider donating so we can continue to share the gift of Brazilian dance in the Bay Area!
Follow us on Instagram @sambaxedance
