Queen’s Dance Retreat

Retreat Dates

This retreat is a sacred invitation to awaken and celebrate the high feminine spirit through dance. We’ll journey through the powerful traditions of Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Cuban dance, immersing ourselves in movements that honor the divine feminine and the profound energy of the Orixás—the elemental forces that embody nature, resilience, and goddess energy. Through these ancient forms, we’ll not only connect with our dancing bodies but also rediscover parts of ourselves, embracing a deeper awareness of our own power, grace, and inner fire.

SAVE YOUR SPOT

About the Teachers

Stephanie Emmanuela

Pilates & Dance Conditioning

Stephanie Emmanuela Da Silva is a devoted dance artist who pursued and an MFA in dance and after becoming captivated with Afro-Brazilian dance and Samba. She lived in Salvador from 2007-2012, mentored by Rosangela Silvestre, Vera Passos, and Paco Gomes. She became a certified Silvestre Technique Instructor in 2010, and danced professionally in Bahia with Anderson Rodrigo, Norma Santana, O Kontra, and Diaspora Dance Company. She trained with the world renowned Bale Folklorico da Bahia and founded Agua Doce Dance in 2016. Stephanie is currently a dance professor at the College of Alameda, CA.

Vera Passos

Afro-Brazilian Dance

Vera Passos (dancer/choreographer) is considered one of Bahia’s most elegant and eloquent Afro-Brazilian dancers. Passos has danced for Jorge Silva Dance Co, and the acclaimed Bale Folclórico da Bahia touring throughout Brazil, Europe, Asia, the US and South America. Vera performed with jazzman Steve Coleman throughout Europe in 2002 and 2003. In 2015, she premiered her first full-length work for Viver Brasil, Peace Transcends, at the Aratani Theatre in Los Angeles. In 2016 she choreographed and performed in the company’s Bloco Afro Spectacle for the Olympic Celebration at the Hollywood Bowl.

Susana Arenas

Afro-Cuban, Rumba, Salsa Suelta

Susana Arenas Pedroso, director of Arenas Dance Co, is an internationally recognized Cuban Folkloric and popular dancer. Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Pedroso began her career in dance at age twelve, studying at La Casa de Cultura Matanzas and at Cojunto Folklorico Nacional Havana. She danced professionally for 17 years in Cuba with popular, folkloric and theatrical performing groups. Pedroso performed and choreographed numerous pieces that have been exhibited throughout the US, Mexico, Cuba and Hong Kong with companies such as Omo Ache, Alayo Dance Co, Las Que Son Son and Obini Ashe.

All Included