Archive for the
‘Connecting Communities’ Category

Sat, May 9, 10:30am-12pm | Groove and Ground: Principles of Afro-diasporic Movement and Rhythm with Samad Raheem Guerra | Brava Theater | RSVP: here!

In this workshop, we will explore the rhythmic elements and movement principles of Afro-Diasporic dances. From the Polyrhythmic Layering of Comparsa Rhythms to Embodying Ogun / Ogum Movement across Afro Cuban and Afro Brazilian traditions, this workshop centers cultural background and movement of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian Orixa, and an exploration of movement principles through embodiment and improvisation.

Samad Raheem Guerra is a multidisciplinary performing artist and arts educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area. A Fulbright-Hays Scholar, he holds a BA in World Arts and Cultures/Dance from UCLA and has toured internationally with CONTRA-TIEMPO Activist Dance Theater. His credits include performing at the Hollywood Bowl and the Ford Amphitheater with Viver Brasil and Sergio Mendes, appearing as a featured artist and choreographer for La Doña, and producing work presented at LACMA, as well as Hamburger Bahnhof and daadgalerie in Berlin. He has taught with the East Bay Center for Performing Arts Diploma Summer Intensive Program and served as Director of World Dance at Ruth Asawa School of the Arts for five years. Currently, he sits on the board of World Arts West, the largest multicultural dance network in the United States.
Fri, May 1, 10-11:30am | Cuban Movement Fundamentals with Diana Aburto Vega | Brava Theater | RSVP: here!

This class focuses on the foundational mechanics of Cuban movement, emphasizing grounded posture, isolation, coordination, and rhythmic precision. Through guided exercises and progressions, dancers will develop a deeper understanding of how the spine, pelvis, and feet work together to create fluid, dynamic movement. Open to all levels, this class supports dancers in building strength, musicality, and cultural awareness while expanding their movement vocabulary across styles influenced by Afro-Cuban traditions.
Diana Aburto Vega was born and raised in Managua, Nicaragua where she started her dance career in a wide variety of Latin American rhythms, contemporary dance, modern techniques, belly dance and urban Latin styles like Reggaeton and Dancehall. She is also a professional Nicaraguan Folklore Dancer trained under Folkloric Ballet Macehuatl (“Worthy” in Nahuatl, the language of the first people in Nicaragua). Diana has served as a Nicaraguan cultural ambassador for the Bay Area through building and directing individuals from two Nicaraguan folklore groups.

Sat, Apr 4, 12-1pm | Adv/Beg Tap Class with Micah Sallid | Brava Theater, 2781 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Sat, Apr 4, 1-2pm | Improv for Int/Adv Tap Class with Micah Sallid | Brava Theater, 2781 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

RSVP here!

Come for the shuffles, stay for the vibes 😎 In this beginning tap class participants will learn some tap dance history, basic rudiments, foundational technique. In the intermediate/advanced class, we will be reviewing technique as well as learning combinations, drilling across the floor movement, and work on improvisational technique.

Micah Sallid was born in Los Angeles and began studying with Arlene Kennedy Universal Dance Design and performed with the Kennedy Tap Company, and later moved to the south to become a company member of Decatur City Dance. While trying to find her own choreographic and creative voice she toured, studied, and choreographed for the Broadway Dreams Foundation traveling all over the country. Micah graduated from Saint Mary’s College of California with a BA in Dance and a minor in Women & Gender Studies. Within her college career two of her choreographed pieces represented Saint Mary’s College at ACDA. Micah is currently a faculty member at Saint Mary’s College and performs with the Bay Area Tap company La Mezcla.

We are so excited to announce the upcoming season of Connecting Communities with Artists donation-based workshops for this spring at Brava. This season we will have both company and community artists teaching workshops & we are so excited for you to get into the studio with us!

RSVP here!

Suggested donation $8-$20

Workshops for Spring 2026:
Tap Dance with Micah Sallid
Cuban Movement Fundamentals with Diana Aburto Vega
Groove and Ground with Samad Raheem Guerra
Check out the highlights from last month’s La Rama & Community Fandango at Brava to relive the night!

We are so excited to keep bringing the community together this year, keep an eye out for upcoming events!

Video by Harry Gregory

Gracias to everyone who attended our special Connecting Communities event!

Our next season will be announced very soon!