For over 10 years Daniel Santos (Brazil) of Brasil in Motion and Etienne Cakpo (Benin) of Gansango Music & Dance have collaborated to lead regular public workshops entitled Benin to Brasil.  The profound ancestral link between the two countries is deeply rooted, and remains strong through shared traditions, music, dance, and spirituality.  The work Daniel and Etienne bring forth in these workshops is grounding, joyful and shouts resilience.

Accompanied by live drumming, Benin to Brasil is a deep ancestral experience as well as a class rooted in traditional rhythms and movement. The workshops occur several times throughout the year at Balance Studio.

This was a dynamic performance celebrating traditional and contemporary dance and music from Benin to Brazil. The performance was part of the Artists at the Center programming through the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture and Seattle Center. Students performed with Daniel and Etienne, the Brasil in Motion dance company, and master drummer Yaw Amponsah and accomplished musicians Greg Campbell and James Morford.  The performance was followed by an interactive dance workshop where a diverse and multi-generational audience danced to live music. 

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8TH 2025 4-6PM