Inspired by the electrifying open samba school rehearsals that precede Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, the "Samba Party” is a communal gathering where Brazilian music enthusiasts share their love of samba drumming, dance, and culture in NYC. This Summertime edition of the event will feature an official dance contest to select Samba New York's 2019 “King of the Drums” — O Rei da Bateria. The Party will also include a samba lesson with our MC, Brazilian dance master, Danielle Lima, and a set of live batucada by the Samba New York! Drum Section, under the leadership of Dr. Samba.

Founded and directed by percussionist/ethnomusicologist Philip Galinsky (a.k.a. Dr. Samba), Samba New York! is a world-renowned samba performance company dedicated to entertaining, educating, and uplifting people of all backgrounds with the exhilarating music and dance of Brazil. Having grown up immersed in Rio’s samba world, Danielle Lima is one of NYC’s foremost Brazilian dancers, teachers, and choreographers and founder of Samba Art and Culture by Danielle Lima.

If you are a male samba dancer (malandro style) and at least 21 years old, we invite you to register for the contest be sending an email to manager@sambanewyork.com. Space in the contest is limited. Both amateur and professional dancers are welcome.