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Carlinhos de Jesus

Dancer and choreographer Carlinhos de Jesus heads this Rio ballroom dance school, where teachers give instruction in typical Brazilian rhythms like forro, lambada, xaxado, and (of course) samba. The latter has become a national symbol, its roots stemming from African religious traditions brought to Brazil by the cross-Atlantic slave trade. Students at the school also learn steps to international and Latin rhythms like salsa, cha cha, and hip-hop. During Carnival, de Jesus leads a parade known as Dois prá lá, Dois prá cá—an afternoon block party that starts at the dance school.