Ana Carla Laidley was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro

Brazil. Ana was exposed to the art and culture of Samba in early infancy/childhood because her father, Carlinhos Pandeiro de Ouro, was a very famous musician of the most traditional Samba School, Estacao Primeira de Mangueira. Anas mother was one of the first Passistas (Samba dancers) who performed with several renowned artists and performing groups in Brazil and internationally. Ana's debut in the Samba Schools parade happened when she was 5 year old and she paraded for over 20 years. Once she immigrated to USA, Ana is teaching Samba by integrating traditional and contemporary Samba styles. Ana's class provides a space to people to develop their knowledge andunderstanding of the Brazilian culture as well as reconnect with their body, mind, and soul!Over 5 years, Ana has been studying varieties of the Samba from the 50s to the present and its roots: Jongo.Ana has created the group SambaNMotion and has choreographed several numbers that reflect her understanding and passion for the Samba de Malandro, Gafieira, and her respect to the varieties of style and movements of this Unique form of dance: SAMBA!Ana has taught in several Brazilian Events and has performed with different dance groups and Brazilian organizations. She has planned trips to Brazil to help her students to experience the Samba and Brazilian Culture and she had promoted several Brazilian events to promote and divulge the BrazilianCulture outside Brazil.Ana is teaching at the Brasil Brasil Cultural Center in Los Angeles for 7 years and she had developed several workshops (Samba, Sweat and Chicken Soup for the Soul).Ana also is teaching at Casa de Cultura in Berkeley once a month where she is developing several projects that include workshops, performances and advanced training for Samba dancers.Ana is also developing a Samba training adapted for children called: Samba Lele!