January 19th - January 27th, 2027
Rio Samba Immersion Program 2027
We are thrilled to introduce an exclusive opportunity to dive deep into the heart of Rio de Janeiro's vibrant samba culture. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience designed for passionate dancers like you!
✓ Intimate & Intensive Dance Classes: Train with Rio's top directors of Passistas, samba dancers and choreographers in a series of guided classes tailored to elevate your skills and understanding of samba.
✓ Exclusive Excursions:
Quadras School Nights: Experience the electrifying atmosphere of several traditional samba schools in Rio.
Cidade do Samba Tour: Get a behind-the-scenes look at where the magic of Carnival comes to life, from the creation of costumes to the stunning floats.
Dance Workshops: Dive into the rhythms of samba with more than 7 dance classes. From traditional popular dances of brazil to Samba, you will truly get a profound exposure to the culture.
Ensaio de Rua Outings: Immerse yourself in Rio's samba culture with street rehearsals, where you'll witness the exhilarating energy of a samba school parading through the streets as they gear up for Carnaval.
✨ This year we are offering a 8 day immersion, allowing for time to train and enjoy Rio in between classes
✨Accommodations very close to the beach this year your home will be a short walk from the beach
ONLY 8 SPOTS!
Location
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Dates
January 19th - January 27th, 2027
Hosted by
Raphaelle Charron & Selina Melo
JuntaSamba Dance Company
About the retreat
This tour is led by Raphaelle Charron, Artistic Director & Founder of JuntaSamba, and Selina Melo, Co-Director of JuntaSamba. Together, they bring over 20 years of expertise in Samba no Pé and extensive experience traveling to Brazil to perfect their craft. Their samba school "de coraçao" (favorite) is G.R.E.S. Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, one of the best and most traditional samba schools in Rio. They have had the honor of training and parading with Salgueiro as passistas, for Rapha extensively both in 2020,2024,2025 and 2026 and Selina had the opportunity for the first time in 2024 and then again in 2025!
With their deep love and passion for samba and Brazilian culture, they will guide you through every step of the journey, ensuring an authentic and enriching experience. Both Raphaelle and Selina are fluent in Portuguese and will provide translations throughout the experience in both English and French.
What’s included?
Accommodations in a great neighborhood, short walking distance from Rio’s famous beach !
8 Intimate Dance classes with top samba professionals
2 Open Group Classes at samba schools
7 Cultural Excursions: 2 Samba School Nights + Cidade do Samba Tour + Museum of Samba + 2 or 4 Ensaios de Ruas (Street Rehearsals)
A Conversation on Carnaval; its history, social context and more
What’s not included:
Flights to Brazil not included
Transportation within Rio (to & from dance classes)
Food and beverages
Tourist excursions (such as visiting Sugarloaf Mountain, etc.)
Please note:
Currently, a visa is required for travelers with a Canadian passport. If you're traveling with a different passport, please verify whether a visa is necessary to enter Brazil. Students are responsible for securing their own visa. However, we are happy to assist if needed.
The accommodation:
Stay in a beautiful shared apartment in the iconic Copacabana neighborhood. Enjoy the comfort and camaraderie of living with fellow participants as you soak in the vibrant energy of Rio. Plus you get to enjoy the beach less than 5 minutes from the house.
How to apply?
Spaces are limited to ensure a personalized experience. First come, first served! Fill in our application form right now. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to dance, learn, and live samba in its birthplace!
We can't wait to samba with you in Rio!
With love,
Raphaelle Charron & Selina Melo
JuntaSamba Dance Company
The Investment
Spaces are limited to ensure a personalized experience. Only 8 spots: First come, first served! Fill in our application form right now. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to dance, learn, and live samba in its birthplace!
EARLY BIRD
$2,350
(Prices before taxes) Payment plans available. Up to 4 installments. Prices are before taxes. Early bird ends October 19th, 2026
REGULAR PRICE
$2,550
(Prices before taxes) Payment plans available. Prices are before taxes. Regular pricing starts October 20th, 2026
The Schedule
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Arrivals and welcome dinner with the group. Possibility for a Group Samba Class at Salgueiro
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1 Workshops with Master Teachers (Afro-Brazilian Dances)
Group Activity
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Samba Workshop with a Master Teacher
Outing at Famous Samba School Ensaio de Rua
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Samba Workshop with Master Teachers
Cultural Visit : Museum of Samba
Outing at a Quadra de Samba
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Samba Workshop with a Master Teacher
Visit of the Cidade do Samba
Samba Show at a Quadra de Samba
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Samba Workshop with Master Teachers
Outing Samba Street Rehearsal
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Samba Workshop with Master Teacher
Conversation on Carnaval History
Outing at an Ensaio de Rua (Samba rehearsal)
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Tuesday
Samba Workshop with Master Teacher
Samba Group Class at Quadra do Tuiuti
Wednesday
Samba Class with Master Teacher
Check out of Airbnb
* Please note Schedule is subject to changes or minor adjustments.
