Muito Quente, San Francisco

Muito Quente’s instructors, Blanca and Cindy, never seem to lose control when they’re doing the samba, despite the dance’s frenetic movements and shuffles. They put on spellbinding displays of quick footwork and rhythmic hip shakes, each skillful movement epitomizing the duo’s passion for Brazilian dance, which they have performed professionally at parades and private parties. In addition to standard samba, the dexterous duo executes the rapid repetitions of batucada, the Afro-Caribbean fusion of axé, and the group movement of samba reggae. Blanca and Cindy also regularly build their own elaborately sequined costumes and headpieces to perform at events throughout the area. At Muito Quente’s two dance studios, their passion takes the form of instruction as they teach students samba's calorie-burning moves and shed light on Brazilian culture.