Bahia Magia Dance Company will present Roots of Brazil, an immersive cultural experience, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at Center Stage Theatre in Santa Barbara’s Paseo Nuevo.
Under the direction of Mariano Silva, an internationally recognized dancer, choreographer, and educator, the program invites audiences to feel the energy, history, and spirit of Brazil, blending tradition with artistry, and filled with live music, movement and joy, organizers said.
Bahia Magia Dance Company, founded in 2001 by Silva alongside the Brazilian Cultural Arts Center of Santa Barbara, brings the vibrant spirit of Afro-Brazilian culture to the stage.
Rooted in the traditions of Salvador, Bahia, the heart of Brazil’s African diaspora, the company transforms dancers of all backgrounds into powerful storytellers.
Through dynamic forms like Orixá dances, Samba de Roda, and Maculelê, the Bahia Magia Dance Company celebrates resilience, community, and the rhythms of everyday life.
“Our dancers have poured an extraordinary amount of dedication, discipline, and heart into this production. Every movement reflects not only rigorous training, but a deep respect for the rich cultural heritage of Brazil,” the company said.
“Through their hard work, they bring to life the vibrancy, rhythm and spirit that define these traditions,” Silva said.
“This performance is more than choreography—it is a celebration of cultural expression, shared through dynamic storytelling that connects audiences to the energy and soul of Brazil in a truly meaningful way,” she said.
Tickets are available here, at Center Stage Theatre Box Office, or by calling 805-963-0408.
A portion of the ticket sales will be dedicated to supporting local youth through BCACSB’s youth music and movement program.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Brazilian Cultural Arts Center of Santa Barbara is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that empowers community members through arts education, inspiring creative self-expression to move beyond physical, mental and emotional challenges.
For more, visit https://dance805.com/.