Samba de Rainha is a Brazilian samba specialist in central London, teaching the vibrant Rio style both in person and online. Students describe patient, detailed classes that name the steps in Portuguese and feel more like a community than a course. For anyone drawn to samba no pé and its infectious energy, it is a standout choice in the capital.
Based near Covent Garden, the school teaches authentic Brazilian samba and also provides performers for events and weddings. Reviewers praise its professionalism, quick responses and the genuine love of the dance that comes through in every session.
Brazilian samba is the sole focus, from samba no pé footwork to musicality and drills, taught for both newcomers and improvers. As a specialist, it is a fine option among dance classes in London and dance lessons London for anyone set on samba, though it does not cover ballet classes London, salsa classes London, line dancing London or general adult dance classes London. In-person and online formats mean you can join from home if getting to the studio is tricky.
Wear clothes you can move freely in and shoes that let you stay light on your feet; samba is danced up on the balls of the feet. No partner is required, and beginners are guided through the footwork slowly before it is set to music.
The central London base puts the classes within easy reach of the West End's transport links, handy for an after-work session.
I got in touch with Liani to do a dance performance at my wedding party. It was very short notice with 3 weeks out to my wedding date, coincidently clashing with the busy Carnival weekend. She was very quick to reply, very professional and helpful in assisting me with the options available to choose from. She was very accommodating and receptive to the music I wanted played, ensuring I felt comfortable with how the night would play out. Not only did her and her dancers look incredible on the day in their beautiful colourful outfits, they did an absolutely incredible performance. They were very— Thais Frade
Samba de Rainha made me fall in love with samba again and not to give up. I am so grateful for her classes and her love for samba. She is so patient and the best samba teacher in the UK. She explains everything in detail, she tells you the name of the steps in Portuguese, she gives you individual feedback if you request it, she is an overall amazing person with an amazing personality. We always have new choreos every class which helps you develop. I would highly recommend her classes as I have not left her online community since I first joined over 1 year ago.— Ana A
If you are looking for start your samba journey or improve on your Samba no Pé, musicality and drills – look no further! Liani is an exceptional teacher with great passion, integrity and elegance. Her classes are more than just about learning samba steps, it is a community, a safe place to learn and share about Samba culture and Brazilian culture, with fun, sass and good energy. Since I started learning from Liani I have gained so much confidence in my life and met great friends to share my journey with. Obrigada Liani!— Lucie Dalila
I have been dancing with Liani in her Samba de Rainha classes for nearly 2 years now and have loved every minute of it. My growth and ability is down to Liani's patient and technical teaching style. I feel pushed and encouraged in every class! As well as having fun, we're constantly provided opportunities to challenge ourselves with shows and workshops; further developing our skills and overall confidence. These classes have opened up a new world for me and I love it!
Monique— Dee Cordwell
Salsa's basic step is quick to learn, with timing and partnering taking more practice. That said, this school specialises in Brazilian samba rather than salsa.
Yes, complete beginners can learn salsa from scratch in dedicated classes, though here the teaching focus is samba rather than salsa.
Yes. Adults can start ballet at any age through beginner classes, although you would need a specialist ballet school rather than this samba academy.
No age is too late for recreational ballet; the technique can be learned for fitness and enjoyment at any stage of life.
Line-dance basics include the grapevine, step-touch, kick-ball-change, pivot turn and shuffle, though these belong to line dancing rather than samba.
Simple four-wall dances such as the Electric Slide are easy first line dances, though this school teaches Brazilian samba rather than line dancing.