About Paraiso pronounced para-eezoo and meaning Paradise GRES Paraíso was formed in December 2001 by Esteves da Silva, the Mestre da Bateria of Estácio da Sá (winning 10/10 points for them every year), and his brother Henrique da Silva, a Passista in Mangueira since 1990 and who has been part of Mangueira since he was a child.

Paraíso is a not-for-profit co-operative community organisation with close links to major Rio samba schools and led by artists who have grown up in the Rio de Janeiro carnival culture.

Paraíso's mission:

1) to bring the authentic culture of Rio samba schools to London and the UK - the culture that includes artistic excellence and close community involvement.

2) to be the centre of excellence for the development of authentic Brazilian Samba in the UK including:

a - percussion
b - music
c - dance
d - carnival & costume making

Paraíso is in a position, unique in Europe , of being led by Brazilian artists who have grown up in Rio immersed in samba carnival culture. Many of its principals are actively involved with major Rio samba schools - and each of these schools has offered active support to Paraíso.

Paraíso receives some funding from Arts Council England. However, the great majority of the money required for Paraíso's activtities comes from income generating performances. These include stage and TV performances and, this year, will also include 48 performances at Selfridges stores throughout England.

In addition to its regular open-door samba dance and percussion workshops, education and children's projects are an important part of Paraíso's community work. We are currently taking part in a major school project in Greenwich working with Creative Partnerships and Arts Council England.

CARNIVAL

Paraiso focusses on carnival. Most of our activities throughout the year - samba dance classes and percussion workshops, events, costume making and carnival arts workshops, and educational projects - are related to preparing for the best possible parade at Notting Hill.

 

Although dance and percussion form a big part of what we do, there are lots of other activities - float design construction, sound systems, helping with organisation...and just socialising. If you are interested in participating please contact us or just come along to one of our events.

Paraiso School of Samba brings real Rio samba to London. Samba is more than dance, drumming and carnival. It is a culture and a way of life. It's a way in which people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds get together and get involved - dancing, drumming, teaching, learning, organising and helping in any number of ways. It provides a real and fascinating focus in people's lives.

Book us
Corporate promotions
Parties
TV
Gigs
Paraiso has experience to put on the largest and smallest shows. Paraiso members have organised samba shows at the Millennium Dome, the Royal Albert Hall, the London Premier of Moulin Rouge as well as numerous house parties.

Book Paraiso to put on a show for you - email us at Events@ParaisoSamba.co.uk

Join us!
Samba is about having fun.

Samba is about inclusion - there's a place for everyone, no matter how fit you are, how old you are, or how experienced you are....so join us!

Explore the pages of our website to find out about samba and about Paraiso. If you want to know more, get in touch or just come to one of our events or classes.

Further info CLICK HERE