Public Moves: Introduction to Rio Carnival Samba
with Gato de Salto

Sun 03.08., 17.00h l MQ Forecourt l Free entry

Learn how to dance Brazilian Samba, the iconic dance from Rio Carnival celebrations! This class is a combination of exercise for the basic Samba step, amazing drills to loosen up your hips and a few complimentary steps that will make you feel like Carnival Royalty. No partner required!

Public Moves dance classes take place outdoors every day – international and local instructors share their knowledge of everything from jazz and Bollywood dance to waacking in free outdoor classes. No previous experience is necessary, and all ages and levels are welcome!

Registration begins one day before the course starts at 11:00 a.m. via the calendar or by telephone on +43.1.523 55 58-19. If a class is ‘fully booked’, there is still the possibility of securing a remaining place on site. It's worth dropping by!

Biography 

Gato de Salto is a Brazilian Samba performer, choreographer and instructor based in Vienna, Austria. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Gato has achieved international success by teaching his distinctive style and interpretation of Samba. He combines a mastery of elegance, femininity, high heels skills, and traditional samba technique. ​Growing up a victim of homophobia and bullying, Gato chose to express his creativity through dance. He started his professional Samba career in 2016, after a dark period of depression, homesickness and difficulty to adapt to the European ways. Through Samba, he was able to reconnect with his roots and flourish. Today, he is a ‘passista diversidade’ and an LGBTQIA+ advocate and fights to open doors to diversity within the carnival world. ​ “Samba saved me and helped me love and accept myself the way I am. It gave me strength to step out of my comfort zone and live.”​

Gato has danced for several years for Salgueiro and Tuiuti, both Samba schools of the Professional Liga (Grupo Especial) of Rio's Carnival. ​He mastered the high heels in order to teach his students how to become more feminine and sensual, without being vulgar. He teaches Samba as a lifestyle: a fun way of staying fit or getting in shape, that boosts your confidence through performances and unleashes your inner Goddess! Felipe holds a title of Bachelor of Arts in Transcultural Communication and also works as a Conference Interpreter. Languages, travelling and other cultures are further passions. This combination of skills has resulted in international success and Gato has taught workshops in over 20 countries, performed in several festivals and touched the hearts of thousands of people.

Photo: © Plantinir Pereira