Florence Warda
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Director of BAHIA ALEGRIA- Happiness from Bahia! Florence Warda (24), established Bahia Alegria on the Gold Coast in Feb 09, and already brought ’swing bainao’ to life! ‘Swing Baiano’ is a dance style that comes from Bahia, Brazil which combines Ax’e, Pagode, Samba, Funk and Afro-Brazilian dance. Although originating from Bahia (which it is danced absolutely everywhere – streets, parties, parking lots, livingrooms everywhere!), this individual, face paced, cheeky and aerobic dance is very popular all over Brazil – particularly in gyms or on the beach. It is a great way to dance with less importance placed upon correcting steps or techniques and more emphasis on having fun! If you’ve tried zumba – you will love the original and authentic Brazilian version!! Florence been involved in Brazilian dance for over 8 years, after her first visit to Brazil in 2001. Many of you may have seen her performing a mean samba but Swing Baiano is her real passion. Over the years Florence has been back and forth between Brazil and Australia – 6 trips – and building up her technique and knowledge for Brazilian dance. Her biggest dance experience comes from a 1 year overseas in Salvador da Bahia – the capital of Bahia, Brazil. There she trained every day in two leading dance schools, Fundacao cultural da Bahia and the Academia SESC da Bahia and made the most of weekends to practice her new moves at various parties and festival – including carnaval. She was also touring as a professional dancer accompnaing bands for the festival Sao Joao (08). Florence has just returned from Salvaodor da Bahia and is full of positive ‘enegeria’ , vigour and talent ready to bring down the house!! “It’s by far my favorite style of dance and I absolutely love it! There is something in the drums and rhythm that gives me a scene of freedom and takes me to a happy place. Bahia Alegria is the perfect name for my classes as it really is all about having fun through dancing – Bahia style”. |