The International Samba Congress (ISC) proudly presents two main events: the International Samba Congress and the Gafieira Express. Join us and experience unforgettable moments!
of Samba Contest
Step into a dazzling celebration of samba! The National King and Queen of Samba Contest brings together Brazil’s top dancers to compete for the coveted crowns. Feel the energy, passion, and grace as they showcase the very best of samba culture.
Unlock unlimited Samba classes, live sessions, and exclusive perks with ISC Subscription. Enjoy unlimited access to our class collection, four live classes monthly, and weekly workshops. Join our Facebook VIP group, get a 10% discount on the ISC Full Pass, and stay updated with our newsletter. Immerse yourself in Samba and Brazilian culture with us!
ISC proudly presents two main events: International Samba Congress and The National King and Queen of Samba Contest. Join us and experience unforgettable moments!
Congress Events
ISC Guadalajara 2026 unites Brazil & Mexico through samba. A cultural bridge by Samba N’ Motion & Connect Samba.
Come join us at the International Samba Congress in Guadalajara! Get ready to dance the day away at The Move Center. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms and beats of Samba. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!
International Samba Congress - Guadalajara May 29-31, 2026
The Move Center 741 Del Tule Zapopan, JAL 45017 Mexico
of Samba Contest!
“Is an annual dance event celebrating samba culture and tradition. Talented dancers compete to be crowned the national King and Queen of Samba.”
October 3-5
Los Angeles
Learn from world-class samba professionals whose careers connect Carnaval tradition, artistic excellence and global education.
He performed in several samba schools between 2004 and 2008, never leaving Paraíso do Tuiuti. In 2008, he became a passista coordinator and joined Salgueiro’s Show group until 2016, with Carlinhos do Salgueiro as his main influence. He also worked with União da Ilha and other Série A schools. He was the winning coach at the 2020 Brazil Samba Congress and currently leads three passista wings in Rio, including the international group Poderosas do Samba.
Dill Costa is a Brazilian singer, composer, actress, and dance instructor from Rio. In Chicago since 2003, she performs Carnaval music, leads musical projects, and teaches Brazilian dance. A former Globo TV actress for 25 years, she has worked with major samba groups and created shows like The Heart Beat of Brasil and Minha Alma é Ancestral.
Irineu Nogueira is a Brazilian artist based in Munich whose work spans dance, theatre, film, fashion, and performance. Known for his expertise in Samba and Afro-Brazilian dances, he created the Abieié method and has taught masterclasses worldwide for celebrities and heads of state.
Mayara is a professional dancer, Samba coach, model and entrepreneur from São Paulo. A specialist in samba no pé, she leads @sambafitnessoficial, training musas for Carnaval. Active since 1991, she has held roles like Rainha de Bateria and was São Paulo’s 1st Princess in 2014. With 10+ years of international tours, she now works as artistic director, choreographer and cultural event producer.
Patrick Carvalho da Silva is the director and producer of Gafieira Brasil and the Samba Congresses in Rio, Australia, and Canada. An award-winning choreographer, winner of the 2018 Estandarte de Ouro and a featured pro on Globo’s “Strictly Come Dancing,” he is one of the leading figures and ambassadors of samba in Brazil and worldwide.
Rosangela Silvestre, choreographer, instructor and creator of the Silvestre Technique, is from Salvador, Bahia, with a BA in Dance and postgraduate studies in choreography. Her work blends research in Brazil, India, Egypt, Senegal and Cuba. She trained in Graham, Limón, Horton, Ballet, Dunham, Floor Barre and explored contemporary, theater, folkloric and traditional African dances.
Thai Rodrigues, 34 years, is an artist, dancer, actress, and host. She began at 6 with ballet, capoeira, and ballroom dance, and studied theater for eight years. Today she teaches samba worldwide, has performed in Ginga Tropical and Carlinhos de Jesus’ shows, and has competed and taught at the Brazil Samba Congress. Muse of Bola Preta, Carnival Queen 2022, Portela 2023, Imperatriz 2024, and Drum Queen of Unidos da Ponte 2025. Creator of the cultural program “Plantão da Thai.”
Guilherme and Gustavo Oliveira are brothers, musicians, and percussionists shaped within Salgueiro’s samba tradition. With careers starting in childhood, they became leading figures as drum masters of the school. They have worked with major artists and projects in Brazil and abroad. Together, they teach workshops worldwide and lead the Dos Santos project.
Sidclei, from Catumbi, grew up in a samba musician family and began parading at 7. He passed through Império da Tijuca, São Clemente, and Grande Rio. Since 2011, he represents Salgueiro, earning top scores and winning four Estandarte de Ouro awards, one of Rio Carnaval’s most prestigious honors.
Mestre Ailton Nunes grew up in Mangueira, Rio, and rose through its iconic samba school to become Mestre da Bateria in 2011. Known for innovation, leadership, and calm teaching, he led Mangueira to the Estandarte de Ouro that year and inspires hundreds of top drummers to deliver world-class samba. Join now and secure an early bird spot!
Tereza Azevedo is a samba dancer, choreographer, teacher, and Feldenkrais instructor who has paraded with major Rio samba schools and performed worldwide. A leading samba reference in France for nearly 20 years, she bridges tradition and innovation through international projects, research work at Carnaval, and initiatives like Tá no Pé, Sociedade Recreativa, and Baque da Pé.
Tereza Azevedo is a samba dancer, choreographer, teacher, and Feldenkrais instructor who has paraded with major Rio samba schools and performed worldwide. A leading samba reference in France for nearly 20 years, she bridges tradition and innovation through international projects, research work at Carnaval, and initiatives like Tá no Pé, Sociedade Recreativa, and Baque da Pé.
Partners since 2021, they have shared classes, shows, and congresses across Brazil. They teach at major events such as Samba Maníacos and have worked as dancers and instructors on cruises promoting Brazilian culture. With authenticity, they bring Gafieira Maluca to diverse stages, blending tradition and irreverence in a vibrant, powerful samba full of identity.
Gustavo Siqueira, from São Paulo, is a choreographer and dancer known for his elegant, distinctive samba style. He blends technique and performance with precision, offering a refined approach that highlights presence and sensuality. His method attracts women seeking expression and impact in samba. A strong name, confirmed at our Congress.
Jorge Amarelloh is a professional dancer, choreographer, and Artistic Director of Tuiuti Samba School. King of the drum section and samba no pé instructor, he stands out for his technique and leadership. An experienced and awarded professional, he has organized major samba events worldwide.
Marcelo Chocolate is a Brazilian dancer and choreographer known for his strong energy and impactful performances. A specialist in front commissions, he has taken part in shows, competitions, and TV projects like Dança dos Famosos. With refined technique and distinct stage presence, he delivers memorable performances that engage the audience.
Luara, from Santa Marta (Rio), learned samba at 4 by observing her community. A former passista of São Clemente and current Salgueiro member, she built a unique style blending samba and other dances. She performed at global events, joined major shows, won titles like Rio Carnaval princess, and teaches worldwide while leading social projects.
Matheus Olivério and Cintya Santos are leading figures of Estação Primeira de Mangueira, representing the tradition of mestre-sala and porta-bandeira. Matheus began as a child passista, won Estandarte de Ouro, and since 2017 is the school’s First Mestre-Sala, teaching worldwide and at international congresses. Cintya, current First Porta-Bandeira, started at 8 and built a solid path through Rio’s samba schools, carrying Mangueira’s flag with dedication and tradition.
