Youth Group

Fogo na Roupa Youth: Igniting the Sparks of Fogo

Fogo na Roupa’s youth programming involves Brazilian dance and drum instruction, structured to develop confidence, discipline, and cultural consciousness through teachings of folklore and creative expression. Young people are taught the origins of rhythms and dances, and encouraged to bring in unique styles from street dance and music. Instructors intermix modern and folkloric forms of expression to create styles that young people can identify with. We hope to foster a strong sense of self among the youth.

East Bay’s Youth Fogo na Roupa’s artistic director, Jose Rivera is an artist in residence at Melrose Leadership Academy’s after-school Community Bridges Program where he teaches Afro-Latin Percussion to middle school children and gives them an opportunity to parade in San Francisco Carnaval.

San Francisco’s Youth Fogo na Roupa’s dance director, Metzi Henriquez teaches weekly Carnaval dance classes at Steppin’ Out Dance Studio to young people aged 6 to 18 years and prepares them for participation in San Francisco Carnaval’s yearly parade.

South San Francisco’s Fogo na Roupa Grupo Carnavalesco dancer, Feliciana Jimenez is faculty at El Camino High School and brings young rising dancers to participate in San Francisco Carnaval’s yearly parade

Young people are also encouraged to participate in adult classes at Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts and Fogo na Roupa’s performing company.