Drawing on both the talents of Toronto's Brazilian community and on the musical resources of a small army of honorary Brazilians, the Escola de Samba is widely recognized as one of the more important cultural links between Toronto and Brazil, and certainly the most fun one. The leader and musical director of the Escola de Samba de Toronto is drummer/percussionist Alan Hetherington, a devotee of the Samba Enredo tradition of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo for nearly fifteen years. At the receiving end of Hetherington's knowledge is the Escola de Samba's core, a percussion bateria consisting of over 20 people who have all been transformed by the power and beauty of samba.
The Escola de Samba de Toronto was originally formed as a result of the desire by the Brazilian community in Toronto to participate in the city's summer festivities. Our roots and influences stem from some of the highly revered proponents of the tradition including Mestre Serjao from the rural Escola de Samba Arco Iris in Jundiai, Sao Paulo; Mestre Sombra of Mocidade Alegre (Sao Paulo); Mestre Odilon (Grande Rio); Mestre Celsinho (Unidos do Tijuca); and Mestre Beto (Imperatriz Leopoldinense). Each of these escolas embodies the spirit that drives the Escola de Samba de Toronto.
Today, the Escola de Samba de Toronto is a forum for the study, practice, and performance of one of Brasil's most creative art forms. A "Drop in" beginner class is offered every Sunday afternoon at 1pm and is open to the public. This class takes place at the Royal Conservatory of Music located at 90 Croatia st. (Bloor & Dufferin) and costs only $15 per session which is followed by a samba dance class for no additional cost. The Escola de Samba de Toronto continues to inspire people of all ages and ethnicities by providing a unique experience and encourages the participation of anyone with a passion for music!a
