ÓTIMO DANCE COMPANY

feathers, sequins, glitter and #shakeyshakey

ótimo (Portuguese)

We Are

adjective: excellent, splendid, wonderful, optimal

exclamation: great! super! (expression of gladness)

ABOUT US

Ótimo Dance is a Madison, Wisconsin-based group that performs lively Brazillian-inspired, Samba-based choreography with live drummers, handcrafted costumes, a bold feminine aesthetic and body positivity. Founded in 2012 by Sheba McCants and Cody Jussel, Ótimo quickly gained the enthusiastic support of fellow artists and audiences with its captivating performances. Ótimo features live percussion accompaniment, handcrafted costume designs, and a bold, feminine aesthetic. Ótimo Dance is grounded in gratitude for the communities that embrace and value the contributions women have made to the arts.

We Teach Local Classes

Ótimo Dance strives to provide local education and performance programs to all levels of dancers. Since its launch in 2012, Ótimo has served well over 300 individuals through weekly classes, performance workshops, movement workshops, and informal performances.

And Perform Professionally

The Ótimo Dance Performance Team entertains regularly throughout the year at various locations including the annual Carnaval celebration at Majestic Madison in February or March. They have also been featured at public and private events at many premier local and regional venues including High Noon Saloon, Overture Center for the Arts, The Edgewater, La Fete de Marquette and Atwood Fest!

About Us

Samba is a lively, rhythmic dance of Brazilian origin. There are a set of dances, rather than a single dance, that define the Samba style. Samba originated in Brazil as a street dance, not in dance studios – therefore, Samba comes in many flavors and each person has their own unique style!

what is samba?

Shows

SHOWS

The Sessions at McPike Park

★ Saturday, June 17, 2023 ★

We are excited to be a part of this week-long music celebration!

Catch our samba reggae performance at 3:50pm in front of the main stage!

AtwoodFest

★ Saturday, July 29, 2023 ★

Catch us as part of the convergence parade with our friends The Handphibians before we perform maracatu as part of the ultimate block party!

Memorial Union Terrace

★ Saturday, August 26, 2023 ★

Come bask in the glow of samba from Rio with Ótimo Dance and The Handphibians at the Memorial Union Terrace. Music begins at 7pm!

Willy Street Fair Parade

★ Sunday, September 17, 2023 ★

Join us for some family-friendly fun as we parade with our friends The Handphibians and share samba no pé with the East Side. You may even catch a glimpse of our latest beginner performance workshop graduates!

Madison Carnaval 2024

Stay tuned for more info on the fabulous annual Carnaval event hosted each February or March by The Handphibians featuring Brazilian drumming, dance, and music!

CLASSES

Have fun, get a great workout, and meet new people at Ótimo Dance classes!

Each year Ótimo Dance hosts educational and performance workshops exploring various styles of Brazilian dance such as Samba Reggae, Maracatu, Samba no Pé, Samba Axé and more!

Here's what we've got coming up:

Beginner Series&
Performance Workshop

Join us August - September for a 5-class series and performance opportunity!

Saturdays 1-2:30pm @ 72 N. Bryan St.

08/05, 08/26, 09/02, 09/09, 09/16

Parade performance on 09/17 at 11am

$60 discounted rate for the whole series.

Unsure about committing? Join us for the first extended class and try it out! August 5th, 1-3pm, LIVE DRUMMING ($15 as a stand alone class if you don't sign up for the full series).

All welcome!

MORE INFO & RSVP

About Classes