For a long time I have noticed what Brazilian dancer Pablo Guerreiro tells me here today: Michael Jackson was a "Malandro" (Style of Samba Dancer). Somehow, on MJ videos, especially on the "Smooth Criminal" video, you notice that his style is all too similar to the mythical Brazilian "Malandro" for it to be a coincidence.

Well, Michael Jackson was a talented dancer, and I am glad to tell you that so is my guest on this episode today. On this show, I interview Pablo and share a bit of his dance with you.

Pablo Guerreiro is a dancer and teacher who truly enjoys sharing his love for Samba with the world. He is light and smooth on his feet, and you can see why here today why Pablo says that his Samba is influenced by the King of Pop, the forever missed Michael Jackson. 

Last year, Pablo and I worked together on a Samba duet, part choreographed and part improvisation, and performed together at the International Samba Congress in Los Angeles.

Please take a moment to watch this interview....

Today I bring to you an interview with Brazilian Dancer and Teacher Dill Costa. Born in Rio de Janeiro Dill teaches in Chicago, USA now at The Old School of Folk Music.  Dill Costa has amazing energy and deeply care about her students. Her class is full of rhythm and beautiful smiles. 

I am in love with her spirit. She is truly a great human being and and teacher. Enjoy this great interview!  

Warm Brazilian Hugs,

On a beautiful but cold morning I went to Napa Valley not to talk wine but, ironically, to talk Samba fashion, culture and of course Samba costumes....Ok, I confess, I happily had a "few" glasses of wine too.

My guest, Maria Cristina Skowronski Flynn and her beautiful daughter Maria Luiza received me for an interview in their home. They were both very gracious and welcoming hosts as we filmed this episode. Luiza even modeled a pair of shoes for us. Thank you beautiful Luiza!

Maria Cristina is a very dynamic woman and the founder of Brazil Carnival Shop Online (www.brazilcarnivalshop.com).  She brings to the table, besides her "Brazilianness", a background in marketing and fashion (Yes, I mean she worked with Oscar de La Renta).

On this interview she shows us beautiful dresses and passistas (Samba dancers) pieces, Samba shoes to die for and Brazilian active wear to inspire us to hit the gym and the dance studio for classes.

As an artist I love the historic context of things and I tr...

On this episode I have a Samba and Gafieira conversation with dancer and choreographer Rodrigo Marques. You gotta meet him, he is truly an inspiration! Marques is a dance teacher, dancer and choreographer. He is also the co-creator of the International Samba Congress in Los Angeles and Gafieira Brasil in Rio de Janeiro

Rodrigo Marques is the Artistic and Stage director for the Carlinhos de Jesus Dance Company (Cia Carlinhos de Jesus) Marques has also danced for Seu Jorge, Diogo Nogueira and More! This was truly a fabulous time and interview and I got to take my first steps in Gafieira with him right at beautiful Venice Beach.... I am a lucky girl! 

You will see also a special appearance by great musician Carlinhos Pandeiro de Ouro (He was there and his interview is coming soon too!)

P.S. I love that this show features music by the fabulous musical group "Grupo Falso Baiano". Featured Music: "Bunda Ginga" by Brian Moran with "Grupo Falso Baiano". Group's website: www...