The Best Samba Dancers are Made in Arizona: Meet Angelique Starks, Founder of SambAZ

By admin July 20, 2015 07:00

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By: Cindy G. Castillo

Brazilian culture and flavor in the Valley is alive.

And it’s made possible by those who fall so much in love with the essence of a country that they can’t wait to share it with others.

That’s the case with Angelique Starks, who discovered Brazilian culture in 2001 when she started practicing Capoeira while living in New York.

By 2008, she founded SambAZ in the Valley. The group is made up of some of the most talented dancers around, and has quickly gained momentum, becoming one of the liveliest and most notable Samba acts in the country.

“It just came about organically,” she said, “there was a need for people wanting Samba entertainment, so I started the group and just kept it grown.”

Today, the group performs about 90 gigs every year.

But being part of a dance group for seven years takes passion, tenacity and dedication. That’s what Starks was able to find in her group of dancers.

“We really just have a tight-knit group of girls who lift each other up in just a very positive environment,” she said. “We’re always pushing each other together and we all have a passion for dancing and performing.”

In those seven years, she’s been able to have the same group of girls all along.

“[That’s] invaluable to me. I’m grateful for the girls on my team and how much they’ve contributed and given back … I couldn’t say thank you enough,” she said. “The group would be nothing without the support and the girls that we have.”

Their performances have gained the attention of national and international audiences. In February, they performed in the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro 2015, were nine girls were chosen to attend. They have also been booked to participate in a commercial for Bud Light’s recent campaign, #UpforWhatever.

Do you want to experience Samba for yourself? This upcoming October, the group will be hosting their 2nd annual National Samba Queen and King Contest, Rainha e Rey do Samba 2015. The event will gather Samba dancers from all over the country in one venue. It will kick off Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 4th.