Casa Samba Background and Dance Tutorial with Carolyn Barber-Pierre & More!

Feeling the post-Mardi Gras blues? Want to stay connected to the larger New Orleans culture and community? Join Casa Samba founders Curtis Pierre, Carolyn Barber-Pierre and more to learn about the history of the group and how to samba! 

“Casa Samba was founded in 1987 by Curtis Pierre, Bill Lennon, Chuk and Carolyn Barber. On July 21, 1993, Mayor Sidney Bartholomew proclaimed Casa Samba as the first samba school in New Orleans, one the premier cities of Carnival in the world. The group is directed by Curtis Pierre, and Brasilian master drummer, Jorge "Alabe" Bezerra. 

Casa Samba's performances combine traditional music, vocals, theater, dance and drumming to capture the spirit of Carnival in Brasil, Afro- Brasilian traditions and history. We showcase our performances at major hotels, festivals, conventions and special events and through our annual participation in several Mardi Gras parades and coronations (such as Endymion and Zulu balls) and at the New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival. Appropriately enough, Casa Samba first emerged in 1986 during Mardi Gras.” 

Contact: Summer Behling