All photos by Sarah Nadin 2009

SAMBA CULTURA PARADE BURSLEM ARTS FESTIVAL 2nd MAY 2009 On Saturday 2nd May, Samba Cultura took to the streets to parade through Burslem as part of the Burslem Arts Festival. The event is an annual festival emphasising on the theme about Art. Working to the theme of the day "creating a street party atmosphere and letting local artists express their work", the first parade started from Swan Square at midday and went through Queen Street which was led by Mika De Oliveira, where an original Samba “Reggae” piece was played. The second parade returned from Queen Street back to Swan Street but playing a Samba “Funk” melody with dancers from the Samba Cultura group joining. The Samba group ended the event in Swan Square to jam with the complete band of 20 people playing Surdos, Tambourimes and Caixia’s. As the Samba Jam was being played it was combined with Capoeria in the centre of Swan Street, with the audience watching and being invited to take part. The music and dance party continued long after the Festival had finished, with Samba Cultura continuing to play in Swan Street corner, attracting even more members of the public to watch and join in. Festival co-organiser, Chris Rowlinson said “Fantastic day out, enjoyed the parade. I came back and saw them still playing and dancing” 'Samba Cultura' currently rehearses every other Saturday at Burslem School of Art, Stoke-on-Trent. We hold guest workshops with top Sambistas throughout the year. Dance - led by Clare, learn basics of energetic and exciting dance forms of Samba and brazilian dance! Music - led by Mika and Helen, join the 'bateria' and learn Samba percussion styles including Samba Reggae and Funk. All classes are free! To get involved, or for more information email mika@samba-cultura.co.uk Samba Cultura links! Event photos from Sarah Nadin! / Samba Cultura on Facebook! / Planet Sound recordings & video on mypsace! capoeira-art-brasil.co.uk!