WHO WE ARE |
|||||||
Casa do Samba
Mission statement: About us: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Israel is a native Brazilian, Carioca ( From Rio de Janeiro) who grew up in Brazil and moved to United States to help his father, Luis founder of MILA, Mila Samba School, the first Samba School founded in LA. Israel is a singer, a composer and he is one of the best SURDO ( the Samba bass drum) players in California. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Bia is also a native carioca who grew up in the backyard of Samba schools Portela and Imperio Serrano. Madureira where she grew up is known as the " Berço do Samba" that means the Samba Crib, and the neighborhood got that name because it is home to three of the top Samba Schools, Portela, Imperio and Tradiçao. Together the couple shares a passion for Samba and hope to continue to preserve its roots and memories. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Personal email: sidlizboa@hotmail.com
CARIOCA DA GEMA I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Bairro do Catete. Being native to Brazilian culture, music lives within my blood. At age 8 my first introduction to playing music was an acoustic guitar and bass. My single mother was a pivotal role in contributing to the practice and playing of music. At age 11 I was given the opportunity to play samba with Banda da Gloria and Banda Sao Salvador. This was the turning point in learning all percussion instruments. I played every year during the time of Carnival until I was 18. At age 15 I expanded my music genre to rock and pop music. I played with a band named Son Nosso, for five years. Our talent landed an opportunity to play at the famous Circo Voador, which is an auditorium of 1,500 seats. I arrived in U.S. the year of 1986, and 22 years later I now have an after school program. My program teaches at-risk students creative alternatives to drug use and gang involvement through Brazilian music. The major goal is to build self-pride and pride within each pupil by meeting to two basic needs of an individual: to love and be loved and to feel worthwhile to themselves and to others. Enhance awareness of Latin America and African Diaspora. I have found my bliss serving and teaching these children. My motto is “Take care of the children today, for they will be the leaders of tomorrow”. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mr. Kitten has performed with a variety of samba groups and has appeared at such venues as the Hollywood Palladium,Conga Room,Gibson Amphitheatre,San Diego Street Scene,John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Bahia Cabana, CasaSamba workshop in New Orleans, Long Beach Braziian Carnaval, San Francisco Meca Carnaval ,Cafe Sevilla, Tropicana Hotel, and touring productions to Mexico and Korea. A member of AEA and SAG, he has appeared in theatrical stage productions at Chicago's Goodman Theatre, NYSF Public Theatre, and the Kennedy Center. Film credits include: Mahogany, Ragtime, and Hollywood Shuffle. Jesse also produced the feature film "Vampire Assassin" released worldwide on DVD in 2005 by Lionsgate.Additional credits can be viewed at: www.entertheafro.com __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Diane's background history: My name is Diane Yakimovicz, I was born in Goiania Brazil. I have been dancing since I was seven years old. My passion is folk dance. One of my greatest enjoyments, was when I represented my samba school MOCIDADE INDEPENDENTE DE PADRE MIGUEL during CARNAVAL in Rio, Brazil. I was member of an Axe dancing company back home, I danced for many FORRO bands also. Since I've been in California, I have danced with various dance groups and bands. Currently I'm dancing with Oya Brazil Samba Show by Daniela Brazil, Rio Hot Dancers, Raiz Brazil Dancing Company. I instruct Samba Raggae, Axe and Samba classes. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lucia's background history: I was born in Salvador Bahia, Brazil. I am 21 years old. I am currently going to Fashion School and working as a model and a dancer. Dancing has always being my biggest passion. Dancing SAMBA brings me closer to Brazil. It also gives me energy and the perfect vibe I need to survive away from home. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Marisa's background history: I was born in Parana, but I was raised in São Paulo. I’m a typical Brazilian girl with a love for music and of course dance. I adore Samba dancing. Since I was little I was already shaking it to the Samba rhythm. I really never imagined that one day I would be dancing in a Samba dance show. It all started as a one-show-only performance for my friends and I ended up liking it so much! I feel like I’m representing my country of Brazil putting on my bikini costume, and I am so proud of Brazil. In addition to Samba, I also like very much Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and Reggeton. I am currently part of Dania’s Oya Brazil Samba Show.
pics & rehearsal info coming soon! __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Casa do Samba is very fortunate to have such a special people as part of our Family. These individuals have gone above and beyond their responsibilities and we are honored to have such amazing people as part of the foundation of this organization. Obrigada de coraçao!!! .............................................................................. Bia and Israel |
|||||||
