Teachers
Dance Workshops
Rafael Piccolotto
Rafael Piccolotto, musician, conductor and forró dance teacher in New York, brings his exceptional experience to culturally enrich the event. His participation is an honor and a unique opportunity for the public.
Dance workshops
Maurício Baptista
Maurício, Brazilian dance instructor for 11 years, was a member of "Pé Descalço" in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, for 3 years. He won the "Copa Brasil de Forró" in 2013 and, since 2017, has lived in Toronto, Canada, where he co-founded Aruá Dances, spreading the culture of forró in North America.
Vocal and body percussion workshop
Lu Horta
Singer, songwriter, and member of the Barbatuques group since 1996, Lu holds a degree in Popular Music from UNICAMP. She specialized in vocal technique in Paris and Germany, also working as a singing therapist. As a vocal coach, she contributed to Netflix's series "Most Beautiful Thing" and teaches classes with Ivaldo Bertazzo. Recognized for her vocal and body percussion workshops, she leads training sessions for art educators.
Vocal and body percussion workshop
Loco Sosa
Marcelo Effori, also known as Loco Sosa, is a Brazilian musician passionate about forró who energized Montreal's cultural scene in 2023. With over ten years of experience, he captivated audiences with around 30 forró performances last year, showcasing his versatility and dedication. His performances not only entertain but also educate, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of forró and fostering unity among diverse audiences. As a sponsored artist, Marcelo Effori offers partners a unique opportunity to connect deeply with audiences, making him an impactful ambassador in the music world. He will be offering a vocal and body percussion workshop in accompaniment of Lu Horta.
Dance Workshops
Eric Frata
Eric fell in love with forró in 2012, joining the local community. Trained at the Pé Descalço school in São Paulo, he delved into the dance and culture of forró. In 2018, in Canada, he founded Forró Québec with Sheila Fleury, spreading forró culture in the city of Quebec. Since 2023, he has been conducting frequent workshops in Montreal, the year he was invited to teach at the Forró Weekend in New York also.
Dance workshops
Sheila Fleury
Sheila Fleury, a forró enthusiast since the age of 11, learned to dance in São Paulo's nightlife, in the city's traditional dance halls. In 2013, she was invited to attend the Pé Descalço school in São Paulo, where she studied forró until 2018 when she moved to Canada. In 2019, she started the Forró Québec project. She currently lives in Montreal, where she promotes dance classes in the forró rhythm.
Dance workshops
Gabriel da Rocha
Gabriel Lincoln da Rocha, an experienced dancer and teacher, is recognized for his international expertise in various styles, such as Forró, Bolero, Samba de Gafieira, Tango and West Coast Swing. His journey as a teacher and director of shows in Florianópolis, combined with his international training, makes him a leader in the world of dance. As director of the Montreal Forró Festival, he promises a unique celebration of the art of dance, uniting creativity, technique and passion for dance in all its forms.
Dance workshops
Julia Soares Weiss
Julia, vocalist and triangle player for Forró de Mané, is a versatile artist with experience in dance, theater and circus. Graduated in Theater from the State University of Santa Catarina, she traveled throughout Brazil and the world performing theater plays and circus shows. Co-founder of Forró de Mané in 2022, Julia is a key figure in promoting forró in Montreal.