Life in Motion: The Art and Power of Brazilian Funk with Fabian

 

Brazilian Funk is a dance style that showcases the culture, attitude, sensuality, and soul of Brazil's infectious urban music scene. 

This genre of dance is often referred to as Funk Carioca, baile funk, Brazilian Funk, or simply funk, as a Brazilian hip-hop influenced music genre from Rio de Janeiro. Brazilian music has a very vibrant and diverse history, influenced by a variety of cultural and musical traditions. From the rhythmic beats of Afro-Brazilian instrumental music to the smooth melodies of bossa nova, Brazilian music has transformed and developed into a dynamic style that has showcased the nature of the country's landscape. 

The dance style developed under the name "Funk Carioca" or, as we all know, Brazilian Funk. This style rose to popularity in the late 1970s and drew from a variety of different international music genres, such as gangsta rap, Miami Bass, Afrobeat, samba, EDM subgenres like freestyle and electro, along with African and Brazilian folk and religious music. Many skilled DJs were able to seamlessly blend in all these influences into heavy percussive tracks. This dance and music style became an outlet for many of the favela communities in Rio de Janeiro and eventually gained global recognition in the 2000s, owning its Afro-Brazilian rhythms and lyricism that truly embraced the culture. 

During the rise of Brazilian Funk, non-Brazilian artists like M.I.A briefly adopted the funk carioca style, while also helping grow and create a new wave of homegrown funkieros or funk carioca artists. This adoption of the style helped inspire productions of spin-offs and hybrid sub-genres. Despite this style being opposed by the Brazilian Government and their law enforcement at the time, funk carioca has still remained in high popularity to this day. The music style is not the same as traditional funk music; funk carioca music is defined as music with funky, syncopated basslines and steady, infectious drum grooves. This music style was spun by DJs at outdoor gatherings called "funk parties" in favelas in Rio de Janeiro. These parties created a release and a powerful cultural force for locals living in the area.

Thanks to the internet, we have seen a growth in Brazilian artists like Anitta, DJ Diplo, M.I.A, Henrique and Juliano, Seu Jorge, Anavitoria, Marina Sena, Duda Beat, Urias, GOMES, Rachel Reis, Zeca Pagodinho, and many others are making waves with their popular songs and albums to give Brazilian music a space in the music scene today. This has made the rise of the genre of music and the dance community associated with funk carioca expand all over the world. 

Today, I chatted with Fabian to talk about his passion for Brazilian Funk as a dance style and to learn more about his dance journey. Before we get into it, let's learn a little bit about Fabian. 

"Dance is my language. Brazilian Funk is my freedom. I teach to build confidence, community, and joy--not just choreography. Movement changed my life... What could it change in yours?"

Fabian is an energetic, fun-loving, positive, and encouraging teacher who always wants you to grow and improve in your dance journey, whether it is your first class with him or you are an experienced dancer who wants to explore and try a new style to build your dance portfolio. He continues to inspire his students with each class that he teaches, and also wants you to become the best dancer that you can be, no matter your dance skill or level. 

Let's get into the interview!

1. How would you describe your Brazilian Funk Class in your own words?

Fabian: "Brazilian Funk, to me, is freedom. It's expressive, raw, confident, and deeply connected to feeling your body without judgment. It's not just about steps; it's about energy, attitude, and allowing yourself to move in a way that feels powerful and authentic."

2. What is your favorite thing about being an instructor at Elemental Studios?

Fabian: "My favorite thing is the community. Elemental Studios feels like a safe space where people can show up as they are, grow, and feel supported. I love being part of an environment that encourages creativity, individuality, and connection, both as an instructor and as a human."

3. What makes the energy of Brazilian Funk different from other Afro-Latin or urban dance styles?

Fabian: "Brazilian Funk has a bold, playful, and fearless energy. It invites confidence and self-expression in a very direct way. There's a strong sense of attitude and sensuality, but it's empowering--not performative. It's about owning who you are, not trying to be someone else."

4. What are some of your favorite hobbies or activities outside of dance?

Fabian: "Outside of dance, I love spending time with my community and the people close to me. I enjoy music, creating content, brainstorming new ideas for class, and finding ways to give back to my students. Even when I'm not dancing, dance is always somehow part of my life."

5. Does the music you choose for class influence your movement choices?

Fabian: "Absolutely. Music is everything. The beat, the lyrics, and the energy guide how I move and teach. I choose music that helps students feel confident and connected through their bodies, and I let the music lead the movement naturally instead of forcing choreography." 

6. How do you handle students who are shy about the sensuality or boldness of Brazilian Funk?

Fabian: "I always remind them that there is no pressure. Everyone moves at their own pace. My goal is to create a safe, judgment-free space where students feel comfortable exploring movement in their own way. Confidence grows with time, and I'm there to support-not push-them."

7. How did you start your dance journey?

Fabian: "My dance journey started from a genuine love for movement and expression. Dance became a way for me to connect with myself and with others. Over time, it evolved into something deeper, a form of communication, healing, and community."

8. What made you fall in love with Brazilian Funk as a dance style?

Fabian: "I fell in love with Brazilian Funk because it celebrates individuality and confidence. It allows you to be bold, sensual, playful, and strong all at once. It made me feel more connected to my body and gave me the freedom to express myself fully."

9. What is your favorite choreography that you have made for class?

Fabian: "My favorite choreographies are always the ones where I see my students letting go and having fun. When I see people smiling, hyping each other up, and feeling proud of themselves--that's when I know the choreography did its job."

10. How has Brazilian Funk shaped you as a dancer and instructor?

Fabian: "Brazilian Funk has taught me to lead with confidence, authenticity, and empathy. It has shaped how I teach--focusing less on perfection and more on feeling. As an instructor, it reminds me that dance should bring joy, build community, and help people feel comfortable and powerful in their own bodies."

Thanks to Fabian for interviewing with me. I enjoyed getting to know you and your passion and love of Brazilian Funk as a dance style. If you are interested in taking a class with him, join Fabian on Saturdays in Studio B at Elemental Studios at 12pm for Open Level Brazilian Funk. Make sure to follow him on his Instagram at @huizer_official for updates about his class, and join the Favela House!