Samba Community and Empowerment at Passistas da Rainha

Claudia, Diretora

For Claudia, samba embodies community, empowerment, and energia. It serves as a space where strong women unite, experience dance empowerment, 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 returning for the high quality of samba classes, 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 enjoys 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 creating something truly special in London.

For Mayra, samba represents a vibrant expression of Brazilian culture, bringing her happiness and freedom. It instills confidence, joy, and a growing sense of expression with each samba class she attends.

She began her journey in samba classes with Liani before the Covid period and returned more consistently over the past few years after taking breaks for motherhood. Inspired by Liani’s passion, dedication, and unique teaching style, Mayra has found guidance in samba no pé technique and a sense of empowerment — a feeling she continues to strengthen steadily through Samba de Rainha classes.

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

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

For Asher, samba is a vibrant expression of Brazilian culture, filled with energy and community. She loves performing — whether in training, on stage, or in parade — and enjoys dancing alongside like-minded individuals who share her passion for samba. The collective energy at Império da Rainha is what continuously inspires her.

Asher first joined Samba de Rainha in 2022 during her second year at university and continued because each samba 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 formed a close sisterhood with fellow passistas and class members, experiencing true dance empowerment.

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.

Temitayo (Temi)

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 unites people, transforming historical oppression into community, strength, and celebration that has been passed down through generations, highlighting the essence of Brazilian culture.

She joined Samba de Rainha in January 2025 after long yearning to train in samba classes in London. From her first class, she knew she had found a place to grow — enhancing 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 — a reminder that dance empowerment comes from resilience built together.

For Norah, samba embodies the joy of Brazilian culture — 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 classes 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, embodying the principles of dance empowerment through her passion for samba. 

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 embracing her father’s heritage — a vital part of her identity that she has always wanted to celebrate within the rich tapestry of Brazilian culture. 

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 discovered the dance empowerment she was looking for through samba classes. 

Outside of samba, Raquel boasts 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 Brazilian culture, 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 samba 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 embodies dance 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.

For Jen, samba embodies confidence, freedom, and empowerment — a space to move, switch off, and feel unapologetically herself. It connects her to her body and to the rich 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 samba classes were more than just dance — they are a community that challenges, uplifts, and builds sisterhood. Each class reinforces her strength, confidence, and growth through movement, highlighting the importance of dance empowerment. 

As a flight attendant with Colombian heritage, Jen loves traveling 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.