I spent 5 years as a core member with the beautiful people of SambaFunk. They represent the best of Oakland with their funky, fabulous vibes. The Sunday afternoon 2-hour classes are definitely a fun cardio workout and a good introduction to various African and Brazilian dance styles. They could definitely benefit from providing a stronger emphasis on technique and expanding their offerings to youth and children. read more

High energy, great teachings, beautiful people, incredible drumming, tons of fun, all ages welcome, all skills level welcomed, family oriented, lots of love an acceptance. SambaFunk dance class starts with an exercise warm up session followed by the dance steps being taught. As class continues energy and speed pick up. While the dancers are in the dance studio learning and practicing the dance routine the drummers (bateria) are in a small studio right next to the dance studio working on the music that dancers dance to during the second phase of class. Second phase of class is when the drummers join in and play for the dancers. Dancers line up and dance across the floor as the music takes on an awesome crescendo that fills the room with drumming rhythmic beauty as the dancer display their grace, beauty and strength as they dance across the room. Class ends with a short cool down period. After class there is always a group photo as well as a special photo of just the 'first timers'. Easy payment via pre-paid class card or pay for each class when you arrive. Classes start at 4:00 pm and are upstairs in Malonga Center for the Arts rat a tat tat tat....SAMBAFUNK BABY! read more

SambaFunk! w/ King Theo - Dance Schools Near Me - Oakland, California

Samba Funk is an amazing samba and Carnaval experience. I decided last year that I wanted to dance in the Carnaval parade and did some research and decided to try attending Samba Funk classes. I'm so happy I did -- what an encouraging and unique dance school experience for someone who is a total dance beginner! Samba Funk is truly a beautiful, inclusive, incredibly diverse family of black, people of color, and white dancers with a strong commitment to the African, Afro Brazilian, Afro Caribbean, Black, and Oakland roots of the samba funk dance experience! I always have a ton of fun, sweat like crazy, learn new histories, and leave smiling and happy. The live drumming is the highlight and samba dance is no joke... It's a legit fast paced workout. Thank you King Theo for your infectious energia total and pushing all of us to be our best selves! read more

SambaFunk! w/ King Theo - Outdoor rehearsal! - Dance Schools Near Me - Oakland, California

Get your sweat on in the most fun way...by shakin' yo booty!!!! Warm, welcoming, diverse, all-loving and encouraging group. Fantastic value both in community connectedness and $12 for 2 hours! read more

SambaFunk! w/ King Theo - King Theo and his first time students Sunday 4-6 at Malonga! - Dance Schools Near Me - Oakland, California

Not just a danceclass, not just a drumclass. It's a welcoming community, a family of artistic and creative souls from all walks of life, in all shapes, of all ages, and of all levels of dance. Together we dance, drum, and enjoy each other's company and enrich each other's lives. The dance routines are fun and the live drums add lots of energy to the class. SambaFunk! is a great way to get fit and a great way to make friends. read more

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SO MUCH FUN!!! Today was my first time trying the class and it was a blast. There is such a friendly, positive attitude from Theo and all the dancers there. The live drumming takes everything up a notch. You feel it deep down in your soul! I'm definitely planning to go again. I appreciated how new students are made to feel welcome at Samba Funk. I had taken some samba classes previously, and it really came in handy. We didn't take time to go over the basic samba steps, but I found other students helping each other out and there is no judgment even if you are still figuring it out, only good vibes. read more

Went to the Tuesday class with a couple of friends. It was our first time taking a Samba class and we all loved it. The instructor broke down the steps, was very patient, and very enthusiastic. I highly recommend it and can't wait to go back. read more

What a wonderful explosion of dance, culture, energy and community! Sunday classes are one big party, and if you're new it's fun to go and be welcomed by the group and be inspired by Theo, the amazing diversity of dancers, and the live drums! On Sundays you are thrown into the choreography without a lot of guidance, so just go with it and you'll be fine. It also gets super hot in Malonga, so bring a water bottle and be prepared to SWEAT! If you're interested in breaking down the choreography, I would also highly recommend Tuesday (in SF) and Wednesday (in Oakland) classes. The groups are smaller, you get to see Theo up-close, and there is a lot of break-down and drilling the choreography. I highly recommend experiencing the FUNK! :-) read more

SambaFunk is more than a dance class, its love, family, and unity!!! No matter where your from, black, white PURPLE, or green Sambafunk welcomes everyone with open hearts, and open arms. The best 2hr workout you will ever have to get you ready for those physical and mental challenges in life. Live drums will keep you on your feet, moven and grooven to the sambafunk beat!!!! Congratulations to King Theo to keep Sambafunk alive, and buliding a greater community. For more info please go to www.sambafunk.com read more

Amazing. What else can be said? A few weeks ago, us folks down in Long Beach had the pleasure of experiencing Sambafunk! They gave us a wonderful performance and entertainment during a monthly artwalk. I got so excited when I heard them coming down the street, I ran out of the store I was in to make sure I didn't miss it. Thankfully, they stayed and got down for at least an hour. The best part was when they came and got us onlookers to dance with them. We had a big ol' street party! All of the dancers were nice and engaging. I really hope they can offer classes here, I would definitely take them. Please come back! !!!!! read more

Had attended a couple classes before I started going consistently a little over two months ago. Had the opportunity to perform in my first Carnival in San Francisco and it was one of the highlights of my life! Everyone was so supportive of the "freshman class" and soooo encouraging!! Heck, within the last two months I've even lost 7 pounds!!! I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to give Samba a try but don't blame me if becomes something ya can't stop doing! Big ups to Samba Funk and King Theo!! read more

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SambaFunk is a great way to get in shape and have fun at the same time. Its an incredible experience due to the fabulous instuctors and positive people. Highly recommended for everyone. read more

as a world dance educator and performer Samba Funk exudes the very values I have spent my life teaching children and college and adult students...depending on what year and when!!! This year King Theo took it over the top by inserting 6 different choreographies from places like West Africa, Brazil, USA, and more! The group almost doubled and the variety of peeps from ages to ethnic backgrounds is amazing. Come join us and feel the love. I highly recommend this class which is both music and dance training, not to mention the fitness aspect! Come on out and dance!!!! read more

Theo is an AMAZING dancer and his teaching style is so warm and inclusive. The Bay Area is lucky to have him!!! read more

Dance classes are fun, this is the funnest! Always a workout and a heartwarming experience w/smiles, sweat, live drums, intensity, laughter, and spirit. Beginners in the drum class and the dance class are warmly welcomed. All ages encouraged. Feel the common roots of Afro-Brazilian, American Funk, West African music. Ashe! Join up and do SF Carnaval! Get your spirit lifted! read more

Sambafunk is like a big colorful family, and dancing with them is pure joy! I take classes in Oakland when I can. There's tons of regulars who will welcome you with open arms, and always new people and beginners of every shape and age. You'll see lots of hugs, handshakes, and people staying afterwards to chat and hang out. Be prepared for a great and fun workout, a little history on Samba, and a class that's a little different every time! read more

This was my first Carnaval season with Sambafunk. At first, the class was all about getting back into shape and trying something new, but after just a couple weeks, I knew that this beautiful group of people was about something so much more. I have never been around people, either collectively or individually, who so welcoming, supportive, super sweet and friendly. There is room for everyone, beginners and experienced dancers alike, male or female, all ages, shapes, and cultures. The workouts and classes are challenging and fun and the music is phenomenal. The spirit of the class is led by King Theo with so much energy and love for all. Carnaval was an awesome experience. It was hard work and committment for everyone but the results were truly amazing. Costumes, floats, choreography, music. everything came together and the spiritual and energetic high was truly incomparable. This is truly the best and healthiest dance/music and social experience I've ever been part of. read more

King Theo is high energy and the class will be fun and make you feel like family.

I have to say that if you are missing something in your life, it might be SambaFunk that you are missing! I come to class on Sundays and am filled with so much joy in the 2 hours of intense dancing. I love the positive energy that fills the room. The people are welcoming and Theo knows how to rock a party! He is the ultimate hype man and dancing with him will raise your spirits. Dancing with this group has helped me blossom and feel connected to the Bay Area. read more

Samba Funk is AMAZING! I've known about them for years and have seen them perform but had never danced with them until recently. Theo is a great teacher with a very positive energy. The class is fun and will make you sweat, sweat, sweat! There's live drumming on Sundays at the Malonga Center in Oakland which really adds to the class. The dancers are also very welcoming and eager to help with any questions. There's a real sense of a tight-knit community with people from all backgrounds with positive energy. At $12 a class, it's a steal, I highly recommend Samba Funk! read more

SambaFunk and King Theo are Brazilian, African, Louisiana, Gulf Coast, Funk and 100% Oakland. We saw them at the Oakland California Museum Friday night. They are fabulous and make us proud to live in East Oakland. They represent. Great band, great drum corps and great dancers. Long live King Theo. read more

What brings me back..hmmmmmm.... The Vision of growth within the SambaFunk Community, The Passion for drums and dance, the respect and the Love for one another, the family we have become.. but most important the freedom for creativity, to be able to express my creative thoughts and ideas, whatever they may be, and share them with you all in the form of a drum beat to bring a smile in each and everyone of you, and if you've learned something from me as small or big as that may be, even better... SambaFunk is full of creative minds, bring them all together, learn from each other and the possibilities are endless... Share the same vision and take action, because "Vision without action is just a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. BUT Vision with action can change the world." read more

Oh God I don't have words to describe this class, it is just a great experience! I moved to the bay last summer and I wanted to take some dance lessons, but I want sure which style and doing a search I found a lot of options but nothing that really called my attention, until I was in a party and saw some members of SambaFunk dancing and playing music and I said to myself 'That is what I wanna do'... I just found everything in this class, great dance, amazing exercise, lots of good energy and love, I found my friends here and they became my new family. The class is fun, open to everybody, no matter the age or level of experience, the space is nice and big, all the people are friendly and welcoming and for me one of the best things is the live music, it makes the class a party, a real carnival... don't miss this class, it is simply awesome!!! read more

Best dance class I've ever taken.

SambaFunk is the best class I've ever participated in, period. The class welcomes beginners and accomplished dancers without being intimidating. I've gone to a few dance classes before SambaFunk and usually get turned off by the fact that its so difficult to acclimate beginners to the class, but that was not the case here. King Theo is a great teacher, eventually getting the choreography just happens. This is not just a class its a community, I find it hard to make it through the work week when I've missed class on Sunday. So glad a friend invited me to this class. read more

If you're looking for a good workout, while also having a great time, in the presence of cool people, look no further! Come to Samba Funk. I found out about this class while I was at Love Our Lake Day at Lake Merritt. Someone handed me a card, I went to the website and decided to try it! Im so glad I did! THere are all ages, shapes and sizes at our class. It's been a few weeks now and every class I'm learning something new. I practice my steps at home, and have told my friends to come on out. King Theo, our instructor is warm, attentive and welcoming! He is good people! THis class is more than dancing and drums, its culture and community....This is a great time! read more

This is the best way to spend a Sunday after noon. You can get your sweat on in a positive community oriented vibe. The abdominal routine alone is worth the price of admission. Samba Funk, baby. read more

SambaFunk!!!...words can't explain the experience that I had on Sunday 4/12/2015 when I went for my very first time!!! I love to dance I love to party...but this?...they took it to a whole 'nother level!!! I'm all in!!!!...definitely a fun way to lose weight!!! Thanks Theo!!! -Jonathan (Jojo) LaBrae read more

The Samba Funk with King Theo dance class in Los Angeles yesterday (7.12.14) was WOW!..... an awesome, refreshing, uplifting and healing experience. This class was truly "turnt up" SambaFunktastic with outstanding dance choreography to real funky oh so funky live drumming,, I've taken a lot of dance classes here in L.A. . this one is now my favorite. The teacher, students and musicians were awesome and friendly and the environment was all love. I went in the class feeling a bit under the weather and came out healed and feeling rejuvenated (Hallelujah)!! The next Samba Funk w/King Theo turn up in Los Angeles will be July 28th and I can't wait!! read more

SambaFunk and King Leo and the CarnavalExplosion people have been such a very positive energy boost for me, an Explosion of Joy in Dance and Wellbeing!!!!! Thank you, thank you!!! I am happy for everybody who has been to classes and every day I can't wait for my Tuesday classes in the Mission in SF, where the Carneval happens. Thank you,Theo, for being such a dynamic, magnetic, inspiring, attentive and welcoming presence in the (my and our) world of dance and movement, rhythm and music and life and SambaFunk!!!! I think he must be the hardest working dance teacher. I have been coming to Theo's class now for one month and I have been changed!!!!! What I mean is, this class is great!!! I am buying my class card for 10 session and I know I will not regret it. I have bought class cards for yoga, dance, or swimming and I usually do not go back and then feel left stupid for wasting my money. I want to dance in the Carnaval 2015: A Celebration of Life. Now, that is a commitment -- but an easy one! I feel so motivated to practice a lot for the carnaval, and also just for myself and for joy and wellbeing. Joy is the Word! So much Crazy and Psychotic in the World -- SambaFunk is like a Balm! So much Crazy and Psychotic in the World -- SambaFunk is like a Balm! Thank you SambaFunk, King Theo and the CarnavalExplosion!! read more

Five stars and a few words are not enough to express how positively I feel about Sambafunk and King Theo. Sunday class at the Malonga Center is an amazing dance experience for body and soul with live drumming and a community of positive artists of all stripes and colors who lift each other to greater heights. I feel the vibrations from this class in my body and soul for days afterward. I've gone to Sunday class for years and to Wednesday nights at Destiny whenever I can. SambaFunk has lifted me up when I was low and given me more joy than I thought possible. Do yourself a favor and don't miss the experience. read more

Simply the best. Great people. Great workout. There is nowhere I would rather be than with SambaFunk!

So much fun, such nice people, such great energy! Dance instructor Theo is amazing & very welcoming. The live drumming is totally great. :)

I was out of the country for over two years and returned in March 2013 looking for a local dance community, SambaFunk has created this space for me and much much more!! For 9 months I have had the pleasure and honor to be a part of this diverse, energetic, inclusive, and collaborative group of people of all sizes, ages, backgrounds, and experiences with the passion to share joy and love for dance, fitness, wellness, and community! Theo is a professional and charismatic leader and instructor that delivers a non-stop contagious energy and commitment to the movement and education of the traditions and history of the African Diaspora in the Americas from Funk in the US to Samba in Brazil... Don't be shy to give SambaFunk a try, you may end up surprising yourself and drawn to continue to grow as a dancer and participant in this positive communal experience of culture, music, dance and fitness! read more

A magical dance class experience accessible to all levels. Beginners are welcomed and dance along with some professional level dancers. Folks of all ages, races, orientations and walks of life get funky every week accompanied by live drummers for two hours. Crazy in the best way! Also connects you to a community of folks who are fun, warm, social, creative, accomplished in so many worlds outside of dance/music and truly caring. You will leave sweaty, smiling and transformed. read more

Great class, great people. Keep an eye on the facebook page for updates on special classes, cancellations, parties, etc.

SambaFunk! is a phenomenal class! It's more than samba and Brazilian drums, they promote wellness, history, and knowledge of Afro-Brazilian culture during every class with live drums and an excellent teacher in Theo Williams! I had a great time during my first time, and I've been hooked ever since! If you're looking to get into shape, find a great, diverse, community, and a great party atmosphere, then SambaFunk is for you! It's the best dance class in the Bay! read more