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Raquel Bastazin Method

Over twenty years of practice, Raquel Bastazin developed her own pedagogy for transmitting Brazilian movement — an approach unlike any other.

Playful, horizontal, bold. A blend of deep welcome and intentional disruption: you are met exactly where you are, and taken somewhere you wouldn't have dared go alone.

Taking risks without being abandoned. That's the heart of the method.

Her way of explaining — clear, embodied, accessible to everyone — is what participants mention most after a session. It's no coincidence: most of Montreal's samba teachers came through her transmission. The Raquel Bastazin Method doesn't produce dancers. It reveals what every body already carries.

Raquel Bastazin from Levanta Samba during a samba class
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What does Levanta mean?

Raise

lifting - Raise. Affirmative conjugation of the imperative of risinglevantá - Raise.

PERFORMANCE

What we have done since 2007

Participation in the Brazilian Art Scene:

 

  • Zeca Pagodinho - Montreal 2023

  • Fervo Colletivo -  Montreal East 2022

  • Diogo Ramos & Flavia Nascimento -  Quebec 2022

  • Diogo Ramos - Laval 2022

  • Diogo Ramos - St-Gabriel 2021

  • Los Angeles Samba Congress 2019

  • Toronto Samba Congress Competition 2018 -Win 1st place

Participation in the music video:
 

  • Diogo Ramos: Sua Mao direita - 2022   link

  • Diogo Ramos: Nina - 2022   link

  • Martinalia - Montreal 2008

Productions:

 

  • Brazil Party Station - Montreal 2022

  • Terreiro do Samba - Montreal 2021/2022

  • I love Quebrada - Le Gésù, Montreal 2019

  • Deixem-me Dancar - Rialto, Montreal 2018


 

Media: 

 

  • Would you dance with me

  • Radio-Canada interview

  • Interview  I love Quebrada

Workshops and corporate events:

 

  • C2 Montreal -  2023

  • Virtual reality samba project for ARTV - 2018 

  • Pied de Courant - Montreal - 2018

  • Montreal Pride - 2019/2022

  • Nuestroamericana Friendship Parade - 2018/2023

  • Sambakana Panel - 2018

  • University of Ottawa Workshop - Ottawa 2008

  • UQAM workshop - 2009

  • Westmount High School - 2017- Dance Al Amor   link

Are you looking for a collaboration or do you want to organize a performance?

A vibrant soul hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil, now calling Montreal home. As the visionary founder of Levanta Poeira since 2007, she has sculpted an inspiring dance journey. Raquel's artistic prowess shines through as she directed two remarkable shows, and her 16 years of teaching experience stand as a testament to her dedication.
 

Her influence extends gracefully beyond borders – she shares her insights as an instructor at the Los Angeles Samba Congress and proudly received the "Best Choreography" recognition at the Toronto Samba Congress in 2018. Raquel's dedication has also led her to take on the role of artistic director and choreographer for Zeca Pagodinho's enchanting opening concert
 

With a fervent belief in women's empowerment and the transformative power of dance, Raquel is a true advocate for self-expression. Her heart beats in rhythm with Brazil's culture, people, and dances, an eternal love affair. In addition to her dance expertise, Raquel is a skilled Pilates and Essentrics instructor, embodying wellness and balance.
 

Professional colleagues and friends often describe her as a force of nature, an igniter of cultural connection, and a dedicated advocate for the freedom and power that dance bestows.

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Oi !

My name is Raquel Bastazin

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SUMMER LABS 2026 FROM JULY 8TH

Phone: 514.268.9912

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© 2023 by Levanta Samba Dance School. All rights reserved.

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