PASSISTAS DA RAINHA

For Claudia, samba means community, empowerment, and energia. It is a space where strong women come together, grow in confidence, and celebrate Brazilian culture through movement and rhythm.

She joined Samba de Rainha in August 2022 and has been dancing with the school for over three years. She keeps coming back for the high quality of teaching and technique, the supportive and powerful group of women, and the feeling of improving with every class while deepening her connection to samba culture.

Outside samba, Claudia loves knitting and has an impressive collection of handmade jumpers. 

Her message is an open invitation: come dance with us at Império da Rainha — a vibrant community building something truly special in London.

For Mayra, samba is a source of happiness and freedom. It gives her confidence, joy, and a sense of expression that continues to grow with every class.

She began training with Liani before the Covid period and, after breaks due to motherhood, returned more consistently over the past few years. Drawn by Liani’s passion, dedication, and teaching style, Mayra found guidance in samba no pé technique and confidence — something she feels strengthening steadily through Samba de Rainha classes.

Brazilian with Japanese heritage, Mayra never imagined she would be living in the UK, working, and sambando alongside people from so many backgrounds. She feels deeply grateful to be part of the Império da Rainha family. 

Her message is one of unity: less comparison, more kindness — and small efforts today to build a better future for everyone.

For Asher, samba is expression, energy, and community. She loves performing — in training, on stage, or in parade — and dancing alongside like-minded people who share the same passion for samba. The collective energy at Império da Rainha is what keeps her inspired.

She first joined Samba de Rainha in 2022 during her second year at university and continued because every class left her feeling stronger and uplifted. Drawn by the focus on technique and visible progress, she now trains as often as possible and has built a close sisterhood with fellow passistas and class members.

Originally from Lincolnshire, Asher moved to London to study dance and holds a BA (Hons) in Dance: Urban Practice. Coming from two generations of dancers, she now dedicates her time to training and performing — especially samba — with a goal of training in Brazil and dancing at Rio Carnival. 

Her message is simple: invest your energy in a discipline like samba, rich in history, culture, and community.

For Temi, samba is a powerful connection to her African ancestral roots across Brazil and Nigeria. Through the call and response of the drums and the expression of samba no pé, samba becomes a bridge that brings people together, transforming historical oppression into community, strength, and celebration passed down through generations.

She joined Samba de Rainha in January 2025 after long wanting to train samba in London. From her first class, she knew she had found a place to grow — strengthening her technique, reconnecting with herself, and deepening her respect for Brazilian culture under Liani’s guidance.

Born and raised in West London, Temi is of Guyanese and Nigerian heritage and has danced since the age of seven, with roots in hip-hop, West African dance, and samba. 

By day, she is a Primary School Teacher. 

Her message is simple: samba makes the call, and community answers — reminding us that resilience is built together.

For Norah, samba is pure joy — enchanting music that allows rhythm to flow through the body, offering fun, happiness, and a release from the mind into movement.

She joined Samba de Rainha in April 2024, shortly after returning from Brazil while searching for samba in London. From her very first class, she was completely hooked and knew she had found what she was looking for.

Originally from the United States, Norah works to combat deforestation and biodiversity loss. 

Outside samba and work, she enjoys long walks through Hampstead Heath — often with an Oddono’s ice cream in hand. 

Her message to the world is beautifully captured in song: viver sem vergonha de ser feliz, cantar e aprender eternamente.

For Raquel, samba is a way of connecting with her roots and her father’s heritage — a part of herself she had always wanted to embrace.

She joined Samba de Rainha in February 2025 and felt at home from the very first class. Drawn by the welcoming atmosphere and the balance of cardio, coordination, elegance, and just the right amount of sass, she found exactly what she was looking for.

Outside samba, Raquel has an impressive background in karate, starting at the age of seven and competing internationally, representing Portugal and England at European and World championships — including becoming a European Champion. 

Her message is simple and strong: follow your rhythm, be kind, celebrate your roots, and let your true self shine.

For Hendy, samba is ancestry in motion — a living connection to her roots, joy, resilience, and freedom. Through dance, her body remembers who she is, making samba not just something she does, but part of who she has become.

She joined Samba de Rainha in April 2025 and felt at home from her very first class. Drawn by Liani’s energy, the sense of sisterhood, and the freedom of expression, she continues because samba here is more than dance — it is empowerment, connection, and pure joy.

Born and raised in Brazil and now based in the UK, Hendy balances a full-time career with a passion for movement and challenge. 

She is a marathon runner and aspiring mountaineer, recently climbing Mont Blanc, with her sights set on the Matterhorn. 

Her message is simple and powerful: be kind, discover yourself, and live fully, bravely, and with love.

Jen

For Jen, samba represents confidence, freedom, and empowerment — a space to move, switch off, and feel unapologetically herself. It connects her to her body and to the powerful history, rhythm, and expression of Brazilian culture.

She joined Samba de Rainha in March 2024 at Pineapple Dance Studios and quickly discovered that Liani’s class was more than dance — it is a community that challenges, uplifts, and builds sisterhood. Each class reinforces her strength, confidence, and growth through movement.

A flight attendant with Colombian heritage, Jen loves travelling and has always found connection through dance. 

Her message is clear: express yourself authentically, step beyond comfort zones, and grow with joy, bravery, and love.

Bio coming soon...