Bloco Pacifico
Once again, VamoLá is delighted to host Bloco Pacifico, the gathering of samba musicians & dancers from all over the West Coast, and beyond.
Our theme this year is Waves of Change: Water as Defiance, Connection, Survival. Honoring Oxum, the Afro-Brazilian orixá of fresh waters, love, and feminine power. Oxum's waters are never still—they flow across borders, create connection, and carry memory, ancestry, and hope. The band moves like a living tide of collective resistance. Music rooted in Ijexá and Afoxé rhythms. Women centered as creators: teaching, composing, and performing.
The parade is Saturday, June 20 @ 1pm.
Meet at 11am at our Staging Loation, near 3rd Ave NW & 36th. You can also use this map.
Drummer Program:
This year we have a special guest teacher! Stay tuned on WhatsApp for more details.
FINAL 2 REHEARSALS JUNE 17 AND 19:
Wednesday June 17 6:30 - 8:30 PM in Woodland Park. There's a video with directions here.
Friday, June 19 @ 5-9pm, LOCATION TBD (Gasworks or Woodland park). Costumes are handed out here for out-of-town folks. Pizzas and BYOB after.
Be prepared to do final pre-parade run throughs on Saturday, June 20 @ 11am, at the parade start in Fremont. Come ready to march (in costume).
Please stay tuned in the WhatsApp group for location updates.
Registration Fee: (TBA) (sliding scale). Includes:
-
Workshops - $
-
Drummer costume - $
-
Solstice T-Shirt - $
-
Parade after-party - $
We are a non-profit community organization, and your donation helps us put this event together. Scholarships are available, we don't want money to be a barrier. Email info@vamola.org if you need a scholarship to participate.
Attendance: Full workshop attendance is encouraged. Out-of-town participants receive audio and video for the song and should attend the June 19th rehearsal.
Dancer/Passista Program:
For dance choreography and concept, are lucky to have the US Samba Musa Deise Costa right here in Seattle.
We will have 6 - 8 workshops starting in May with the last being on the day of the parade on June 20th. We encourage folks to participate in all or most of the workshops.
Please stay tuned in the WhatsApp group for location updates.
FINAL 2 REHEARSALS JUNE 17 AND 19:
Wednesday June 17 6:30 - 8:30 PM in Woodland Park. There's a video with directions here. Come in costume if you would like to practice dancing in your costume.
Friday, June 19 @ 5-9pm, LOCATION TBD (Gasworks or Woodland park). Likely the bateria will be warming up in the beginning! Come in costume if you would like to practice dancing in your costume.
Be prepared to do final pre-parade run throughs on Saturday, June 20 @ 11am, at the parade start in Fremont. Come ready to march (in costume).
Please stay tuned in the WhatsApp group for location updates.
Registration Fee: (TBA) (sliding scale). Includes:
-
Workshops - $
-
Parade after-party - $
-
Solstice T-Shirt - $
Please note that on top of the registration fee, you will need to purchase your own dance costume in order to parade. The maximum cost of the costume will be $50. We will be sending out costume information in late May.
We are a non-profit community organization, and your donation helps us put this event together. Scholarships are available, we don't want money to be a barrier. Email info@vamola.org if you need a scholarship to participate.
Attendance: Full workshop attendance is encouraged. Out-of-town participants receive choreography videos and are encouraged to attend the June 19th rehearsal.
Baiana Program:
The Baiana is more than just a figure in Carnival—she is a symbol of the strength, resistance, and cultural preservation of Black women and Afro-Brazilian culture in Brazil. Through their distinctive clothing and vibrant participation in the festivities, Baianas embody the spirit of Bahia and serve as a bridge between the past and present, ensuring that the rich traditions of the African diaspora continue to thrive. Their presence in Carnival and beyond is a testament to the lasting legacy of the Afro-Brazilian community, their fight for freedom, and the ongoing importance of preserving Bahian and African traditions in Brazilian culture.
Workshop/rehearsal dates and locations TBA.
FINAL 2 REHEARSALS JUNE 17 AND 19:
Wednesday June 17 6:30 - 8:30 PM in Woodland Park. There's a video with directions here. Come in costume if you would like to practice dancing in your costume.
Friday, June 19 @ 5-9pm, LOCATION TBD (Gasworks or Woodland park). Come in costume if you would like to practice dancing in your costume. Pizzas and BYOB after.
Be prepared to do final pre-parade run throughs on Saturday, June 20 @ 11am, at the parade start in Fremont. Come ready to march (in costume).
Registration Fee: (TBA) (sliding scale). Includes rehearsals, and parade after-party.
Please note that on top of the registration fee, you will need to purchase your own dance costume in order to parade. The maximum cost of the costume will be $50. We will be sending out costume information in late May.
We are a non-profit community organization, and your donation helps us put this event together. Scholarships are available, we don't want money to be a barrier. Email info@vamola.org if you need a scholarship to participate.
Attendance: Both rehearsals are encouraged. Out-of-town participants receive choreography videos and are encouraged to attend the June 19th rehearsal.
Kids Program:
Kids are welcome to attend other workshops with the presence of an adult. We encourage kids who are parading to at least come to the rehearsals on June 17 and June 19th (time and locations TBA.
Location: ADI Shoreline or Gas Works Park (weather dependent). Updates via WhatsApp/email post-registration.
Registration Fee: Free with an adult registration, $(TBA) kid only. Includes rehearsal, and parading with us.
Please note that on top of the registration fee, you will need to purchase your own dance costume in order to parade. The maximum cost of the costume will be $30. We will be sending out costume information in late May.
We are a non-profit community organization, and your donation helps us put this event together. Scholarships are available, we don't want money to be a barrier. Email info@vamola.org if you need a scholarship to participate.
Attendance: Both final rehearsals are encouraged. Out-of-town participants receive choreography videos and are encouraged to attend the June 19th rehearsal.
Out of Town Folks:
If you're traveling to Seattle, we're excited to have you! A couple things to know:
Lodging - If you’re looking for lodging, you’re in luck! Seattle sambistas have historically opened their homes to host folks from out of town. Contact Dev (info@vamola.org) if you need a place to stay.
Rides - People come from all over. If you need a ride, contact Dev (info@vamola.org) and he'll put you in touch with other folks coming from your area.