About The NC Brazilian Arts Project (NC BAP)
Founded in 2016 by Brazilian culture aficionados in the Charlotte and the Triangle areas of North Carolina, NC BAP is rooted in a shared dream: to deepen our understanding of Afro-Brazilian movement arts and share their joy, power, and cultural richness with our communities.
Our Mission
To cultivate joy, honor cultural resilience, and build community wellness through Afro-Brazilian dance, music, and performance.
Our Values
We hold deep respect for the history and rigor behind the Afro-Brazilian movement arts we study, teach, and perform.
Joy: For us, joy is both a practice and an offering. Joy is a vital part of what makes art healing and transformative for both performers and audiences.
Integrity: We do not compromise cultural context for entertainment value. Afro-Brazilian art forms are cultural traditions with deep roots. We show up with purpose—not just to entertain, but to share these art forms with respect and care.
Honoring the roots: Our work is built on a foundation of reverence and respect for the living legacy African and Indigenous roots of Brazilian art forms. We train with humility and intention, guided by deep study and connection with Brazilian Masters.
Our Work
Our programs blend education and entertainment to inspire connection and cross-cultural understanding:
Professional and community performances that center culture and connection
Weekly classes and series for all ages and skill levels
Workshops and special events with guest artists and educators from Brazil
School-based programs and community partnerships that engage both youth and adults
Our Costumes, Our Commitment
Samba costumes are bold, beautiful, and joyful—but they are also sacred. At NC BAP, we wear traditional samba attire not just for visual impact, but as an expression of cultural pride, resistance, and deep respect for Afro-Brazilian history.
We train rigorously in samba technique and invest in costumes from Brazilian designers to honor the art form’s roots. While we love adding sparkle to your event, we do so with the intention of sharing the true spirit of samba—not as entertainment disconnected from its cultural meaning.
If you're looking for dancers to serve as showgirls or hosts, that’s not the service we provide. What we offer is vibrant, meaningful performance rooted in history, joy, and integrity.