FORRÓ
NEW
YORK

I have been taking forró (pronounced kinda like fo-hah) classes here for 6 months. I didn't have any dance experience before. The classes are held in English, with an excellent instructor, Rafael, from Brazil, so they're perfect for Brazilians and non-Brazilians alike! I started out just doing the all-levels class, and after about two months I felt comfortable enough to stick around for the more intermediate class. I love forró because the community is so friendly and welcoming, no matter what your skill level is. In just 6 months I have made some of my closest friends. Forró is fun, the music is fun, the classes are fun, everything is fun, just come and try it!

I’ve been taking dancing classes my whole life and nothing compares to what I’ve been learning with Rafael. I believe that because he’s a composer and a conductor and his approach to music and rhythm is completely different to what is out there and it has changed the way I dance forever. Not only the way I dance forró, but everything. It changed my perspective. On top of the an amazing classes, the environment is fun, people are awesome. You learn a skill at the same time you make friends for life. Highly recommended!

Forró is so much fun! From day 1 I was greeted with a friendly, fun community and soon was hooked.

Rafael is an A++ instructor. He breaks things down so beginners can catch on easily plus gives more advanced students fun tricks to work with so everyone gets a lot out of every class, and even personalized tips. Then often after class we all go out dancing!

I’ve met some of a lot of cool people dancing forró and have had a lot of fun. Seriously highly recommended for anyone to try!

The Forro New York community is really nice! The teacher, Rafael, has a deep background in music and has a really fun and engaging method. His demos and exercises are really good, and he always has nice observations o how to improve our form and technique. The students are fun, and there are a few places nearby to go dance Forró after class!

I've tried several dances and forro is the best one. It is relaxed and casual but at the same time dynamic and joyful. The forro community is super welcoming and inclusive. The classes are accessible to everyone and Rafa is a great instructor, he knows how to take the best out of students and help them make progress. I'd definitely recommend anyone to check out these classes.

I am a casino (Cuban salsa) dancer.  In my first lesson with Rafael, he was quickly able to pinpoint and clarify how I needed to adjust my posture, frame, and tension to successfully dance forró.  He is masterful at custom-tailoring the lesson each time to help improve my weaknesses while adeptly tapping into and acknowledging my strengths.  Even though he himself is not a salsero, he was able to identify the similarities and differences between casino and forro...  So not only do I feel like I learned very quickly, it is clear to me that he has made a mental list of my skills and deficiencies so that when we dance (during a lesson or socially,) he ensures that the dance is a pleasant one for me, making sure I am comfortable and having fun while being sufficiently challenged to be better every time.

Having spent some time social dancing outside of class, I noticed that Rafael does the same for all of his follows... as  proficient of a dancer he is, he makes sure to lead what he thinks his follow can handle so that the dance is enjoyable for both parties.  This is an incredible quality in a dancer; it's also what makes him a superlative teacher.

I have already recommended him to a number of my friends and they couldn't have been happier with the lesson or what they got out of it in such a short amount of time.

His feedback is expert and gentle and is a consummate professional.  I can't recommend him or his classes highly enough.

Forro New York is a fun and friendly way to learn this delicious Brazilian partner dancing. The teacher Rafael is extremely professional, competent and attuned to the class' needs and evolution. I discovered Forro New York about 6 months ago and I look forward to the classes every week, they bring me so much joy. There are also a few regular live Forro events and workshops in the NYC Forro scene and it's really nice to be in touch with the Forro group outside of class and join this lively growing community

Se você adora forró ou tem curiosidade em aprender, é o lugar certo! Rafa é um ótimo instrutor e com uma energia maravilhosa! Os alunos que estão há mais tempo por lá são super receptivos, tornando o ambiente ainda mais agradável! As aulas são sempre divertidas e tem gente do mundo inteiro! Além do forró, um ótimo exercício cultural!

"Amazing place with awesome people and a great vibe! I've had de opportunity to teach while I was in the US and Forró New York was one of the projects which opened the doors to me. I felt really welcomed there and I can't recommend it enough if you want a cool experience while in the city! Dance Forró!"

I took Rafael’s classes for about a year religiously and my dancing has improved because of it. He starts class with a warm-up and introduces steps and shows variations to be done at you and your partner's comfort. This is helpful for when I currently take his classes. He breaks down the steps and always encourages you to connect to the music with your steps/movement. The people in the class are welcoming because they are in the same position as you or once was in the same position as you.

Best forró school in NY! Rafael Piccolotto is an amazing instructor with a vast repertoire, precise technique and amazing teaching skills. The group of students is fun and this school helps keeping our forro community in NY growing. Would definitely recommend for anyone considering learning a new rhythm or refining their dancing skills.

Very well prepared classes taught beautifully by Rafael. I was impressed by the fact that the class is not just about learning new steps, but each person actually receives especial attention and specific feedback. It is also very interesting the fact that there are women learning how to lead and are very good at it. It makes Forró stand out from the other ballroom dances, which follow only the traditional ladies-gentlemen model. It makes it even more dynamic and fun. Thanks for the amazing classes Forró NY!

Rafa is an amazing teacher! Besides teaching us forró steps, he teaches us how to connect to the music and how to listen to the music nuances, he gives us cultural context about the dance moves and fosters a great environment among students. The student community is also great! You get to meet a lot of interesting people who also love to dance.