May 25

May 25 Episode 41 Ana Laidley

Ana grew up in the cradle of Samba, Estaçao Primeira de Mangueira, where her
father was a well-respected musician and her mother was one of the first well
known Passistas to perform nationally and internationally.
na has been teaching Samba for some 26 years in the USA. Her classes integrate
traditional and contemporary Samba styles. Her teaching methodology integrates
her life experiences with Samba and her psychology background, providing a
space for people to develop their knowledge and understanding of the Brazilian
culture and reconnect with their body, mind, and soul.
She is the founder of Samba N' Motion and Malandro N' Motion and has
choreographed several pieces that reflect her knowledge and passion for Samba
de Malandro, Gafieira, and the various styles and movements of Samba. She has
developed several workshops and programs and teaches at the Brazilian Cultural
Center in LA and other cultural centers such as the “Casa de Cultura” in Berkeley.
Ana is the co-creator of the International Samba Congress held in Los Angeles.
She recently completed her Doctoral degree in Psychology and her Dissertation
was on Samba and Life: The Dance of Cultural Assimilation and Reconstruction of
Identity.
Ana also provides consultation for other groups involved with Brazilian events and
collaborates with several organizations and institutions. She is part of the Board of
Directors of BRASARTE in Berkeley.