Dance Classes for The 2026 Humboldt Samba Parade with Maria Vanderhorst

Samba do Mar Humboldt and Samba da Alegria invite you to join the 40th Anniversary Humboldt Samba Parade at the North Country Fair (parade Sept. 20, 2026, 1pm, Arcata Plaza; dress rehearsal Sept. 19). Classes with Maria Vanderhorst explore Rio's Samba no Pé (Samba Schools style) — history and cultural significance, technique, style and musicality dancing to live percussion, parade choreography, and performance confidence/community building. Thursdays 5:30-7pm: July 9-Aug. 6 at Redwood Raks Collective, 824 L St #16, Arcata, and Aug. 13-Sept. 17 at McKinleyville Activity Center, 1705 Gwin Rd, McKinleyville. All levels welcome. July 9 class FREE. 2026 theme: 'Deep Roots, Wild Spirit.' Dancers must attend at least 6 classes to participate; costume/parade registration deadline July 23. Instructor Maria Vanderhorst is Artistic Director of Samba do Mar Humboldt, 10-year director of Humboldt Samba Parade dance sections, who paraded as international passista for União do Parque Acari at Rio's Sambódromo Marquês de Sapucaí for Carnaval 2026.