The Story of Forró Lab Coletivo

In the fall of 2022, as New York City was finding its rhythm again post-pandemic, a small group of passionate forrozeiros came together with a shared dream. Inspired by the magic of a recent Forró festival, they decided to create a space where they could continue learning, practicing, and connecting through dance. Every Thursday, they gathered in parks and studios, dancing their hearts out. That’s how Thursday Prática was born.

The idea resonated with New York’s warm and welcoming Forró community, sparking the rapid growth of what we now call Forró Lab Coletivo (FLC). In just two years, FLC has evolved from a small group of friends dancing in the park to a dynamic community, complementing and enriching the existing Forró scene in NYC.

What FLC Does Today

Forró Lab Coletivo is much more than a weekly prática—it’s a movement dedicated to keeping Forró alive and thriving in New York City. Here’s how we make it happen:

  • Weekly and Monthly Práticas & Socials: Opportunities to dance, learn, and connect.
  • Workshops with Renowned Instructors: Bringing the best of Forró talent from across the U.S. and abroad, including names like Camila Alves, Daniel Marinho, Rafael Wilker, Mari Brasil, and Rudolfo Batista.
  • Support for All Things Forró in NYC: We celebrate and promote third-party Forró events, strengthening our local community.

Our Vision and Mission

FLC’s vision is simple yet powerful: to make New York City a vibrant hub for Forró, where a strong, inclusive community can grow and thrive.

To achieve this, our mission is to create opportunities for people to immerse themselves in the joy of Forró. From expertly organized workshops to fun, welcoming social events, every initiative is about enriching the community and spreading the love of this beautiful Brazilian dance.

Our Goals

We’re building a community rooted in shared passion and respect for Forró. Our goals include:

  1. Organizing consistent, high-quality workshops and practices.
  2. Fostering camaraderie and belonging through social events.
  3. Promoting all Forró-related activities in NYC, uniting the broader dance community.
  4. Staying true to the values of democracy and independence, creating a welcoming space for every forrozeiro.

Get Involved

Forró Lab Coletivo is here for everyone—from beginners eager to learn, to seasoned dancers who want to deepen their connection to the music and movement. To stay updated on our events and initiatives, follow us on Instagram at @forrolab_coletivo.

Let’s keep dancing, learning, and building this amazing Forró community together. See you on the dance floor!