Iris De Brito

STUDIO AFRO- LATINO
“Where dance mirrors life”
@The Space Performing Arts/ 31 Falkirk St London N1 6HQ

London is probably the most multicultural capital of the world and I firmly believe that Afro-Latin culture has changed our dance culture and has come to stay. I feel that Studio classes are the best environment for learning a dance form properly. I currently offer the following classes:

MONDAY: LATIN DANCE SCHOOL

SALSA 8 Week Beginners / Improvers Course - 7.00pm - 8.15pm

Starts 22nd September - 17th November (Half term break 27th October)

This course aims to bring students from a beginner level to improver level. Classes are structured in a world recognised syllabus and vocabulary. Course will be taught by Iris De Brito – a qualified Salsa Teacher validated by the UKA. Course aims to deliver content in a fun, non-pressured environment with emphasis on developing technique and style.

Course content:
- Basic steps & basic turn patterns
- Partnering technique ( leading & following)
- Rhythm & Style

AFRO-CUBAN 8 Week Improver / Intermediate Course
8.30 - 9.45pm

Starts 22nd September - 17th Novemberr (Half term break 27th October)

This course aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of Afro- Cuban rhythms, their influence in Salsa as well as the roots and influence of African dance in Cuban rhythms.

This course will be taught by Iris De Brito & Zela Gayle. The combined knowledge and experience of these two teachers will provide for a class full of energy, history, and detailed explanation. An informal sharing at end of the course will be performed in front of other students, friends and invited guests. Check Zela’s Bio (highlight- link to bottom of page)

Course content:
- Rumba guaguanco
- Gaga
- Palo congo
- Orisha Yemaya

TUESDAY: LUSAFRICA DANCE SCHOOL
Kizomba drop in class - Starts 9th September (9th and 16th September classes will be in a different venue; please contact Iris on 07956 345120 for update.

Kizomba is what some refer as “Afro-Tango”. Originally from Angola, it’s a sensual and chilled partnering dance with influences from the French-Caribbean and Tango.
More about Kizomba

Beg/Improv 7:30- 8:30pm
Int/ Adv 8:30- 9:30pm (Inc. Intro to Semba/Funana)

£7 drop in / £25 for a 4 lesson card /£10 for two hours
Introduce a friend and you pay ½ price

SCHOOLS

What is the place for Ethnic Dance forms in modern Dance culture today?

As a Dance artist my multicultural background has taken me to explore and be influenced by different dance forms of my generation and I firmly believe that, like myself, there’s a whole generation of young talent that comes from a mixed and diverse background and identifies itself with more than one culture.

I believe as dance evolves, one must evolve with it and reflect this in our training for future dance artists and artists need to be ahead of time, as so do most cultural organizations.

Taster workshops and short courses in Body Movement, Afro-Cuban Jazz and Salsa also available.

AFRO- LATIN DANCE WHY?

• A rich culture- Provides a wide scope of movement and rhythm
• Students can relate- the natural diversity helps bridge into modern disciplines
• Extra skills- provides students with extra skills into the job market

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Demonstrate interpretation skills and styles
• Recognize traditional movement in modern & popular dance forms
• Improve flexibility, posture and mobility

LONG TERM BENEFITS

• Provide students with original skill set opening their minds to a discipline outside their common perspective
• Make other dance forms accessible to all
• Promoting a culture of inclusion

Colleges and Dance Centres I currently work with:

Hackney Community College
WAC
East London Dance
London Studio Centre
National Youth Theatre
The CityLit
Westminster Borough Schools
Pineapple Dance Studios
Danceworks Studios
The Basement

Other Teachers with Studio Afro-Latino:

Zela Gayle

ZELA GAYLE began dancing at the age of 5 in Jamaica, learning Afro-Caribbean dance as well as classical ballet. At the age of 7, Zela came to London to train as a competitive gymnast, and maintained her interest in dancing, which was eventually to take precedence over gymnastics.

Zela graduated from the University of Winchester with a BA Hons in Dance Studies. After graduating, she joined the Danza Libre Company in Cuba to launch her professional dance career.

Zela is now pursuing a solo dance career, based in London, choreographing her own original works in collaboration with other worldwide artists , drawing on a wide range of influences from; Afro Cuban, to gypsy, contemporary dance, reggae dance and improvisation techniques.

Kwende Lima

Kwenda Lima is an accomplished dancer and choreographer. He has worked on various choreographic projects, has over 8 years of experience teaching Kizomba and Cape Verde traditional dances.

Comfortable in a Salsa congress as well as teaching children from impoverished backgrounds, judging competitions, appearing on RTP (Portugal’s national TV channel) or directing various theatre projects, his charisma and generosity in teaching is an inspiration for those who get a chance to learn from him.

Currently Kwenda is focusing on African- Contemporary dance and Dance therapy amongst other things.

About Kizomba

Kizomba is a partner dance native of the African country of Angola, with influences from other Lusofone countries. It was first known as “Passada” (meaning “stepping” a reference to the movement flow) and for having a sensuous rhythm. Kizomba means party in the Kimbundu dialect of Angola.

It’s considered to be a fusion of Semba (a predecessor of samba, traditional Angolan dance) with ‘Zouk’ influences coming from the French Caribbean Islands, although the exact origins are unknown. In the 80’s groups like Kassav or Zouk Machine infused a fast paced and more African influenced sound into the music. In Recent times the style got slightly slower and more romantic and the influence of other dance styles like Tango are clearly visible. In Cape Verde Islands it is known as “cabo love”. Repetitive steps and patterns provide a clear platform where teaching this dance form in a skilled manner is perfectly achievable.

Famous Angolan Kizomba musicians include, among others, Don Kikas, MC Roger and Irmãos Verdade. The Kizomba from Sao Tome is very similar to the Angolan one and Juka- with whom I worked with when he started his career in Portugal - is, perhaps, the most notable among the artists.

Capeverdean Kizomba is different from the Angolan one due to the language used (often Creole instead of Portuguese) and more romantic. It is also called "Kizomba Crioula". Suzanna Lubrano is one of the most successful among Capeverdean performers – she was considered the best African performer in 2003.

Iris De Brito.com

STUDIO AFRO- LATINO “Where dance mirrors life” @The Space Performing Arts/ 31 Falkirk St London N1 6HQ