Forró festivals are not just about the dance—they are about the community that forms around it.
The magic happens when people from different parts of the world come together to share their passion for this lively, captivating Brazilian dance.
The Forró New York Weekend, in particular, has drawn a diverse group of attendees, all united by their love for forró.
Here’s what some of them have to say about their experiences at the event.
Forró in New York - A Welcoming and Warm Community
For many, it’s the sense of connection and inclusivity that makes the festival so special.
"I've loved volunteering and participating at the event," says Ally from New York. "It's a really welcoming, beautiful community. I've loved having the chance to just dance all weekend and listen to lovely music. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in forró or even just curious to learn what it’s all about."
Leticia, who has lived in New York for 20 years but hails from Brazil, echoes this sentiment: "What I love about the event the most is that we get to meet new people, and it feels like family. New York has a great community, and everybody should want to come and join us."
For Chinedu, who traveled all the way from London, UK, the festival’s atmosphere stood out: "The people in New York—the whole New York community—are all incredibly inviting and enthusiastic. They are open to learning and to seeing new things, new people, new musicians, and new DJs."
Dancing, Learning, and Fun
The festival is also a place to hone skills and connect through dance.
“I love the classes, and I love dancing with people I met in class at the party,” says Vivan, originally from Brazil but now living in New York.
Laura from Parma, Italy, agrees: “The classes were amazing, the teachers were very good, and I loved that you gave me the chance to connect with so many people when I had just arrived in the US. It was fantastic.”
For others, the joy lies in dancing the night away with like-minded people. "I love dancing forró—obviously, I danced all weekend long. It’s been a blast!" shares Maira Barriga, who describes herself as Colombian-Japanese, born in Panama with Japanese heritage.
Roy, originally from Toronto but now living in New York, keeps it simple: "I love the parties, and the workshops are also fun."
A Global Celebration of Forró
Forró New York isn’t just for locals; it attracts participants from across the globe.
Guadalupe Astorga from Chile is amazed at the dedication of the community: "I love how people love dancing at these events. They come across the country, across the ocean sometimes, just to dance for three days nonstop, and I love that. I love the energy that is created while people are dancing."
Cem Yildirim from Toronto appreciates how the forró scene is evolving: "I love that the North American scene is growing, and I love that New York has three recurring festivals. It’s super rare nowadays. After the pandemic, the scene took a hit, but now, with all these organizations happening, it’s super amazing."
A Space for Growth and Connection
For some, like Aysha from Washington, DC, the festival offers an opportunity for deepening their connection to forró: "I love getting deeper into the root style of dancing and working on my footwork—lots of drills."
Others, like Rudolfo from Brazil (now living in Germany), find that the close-knit atmosphere is unlike other festivals: "I felt very close to the people, which is not so usual at events. Teachers are usually very apart, but I liked very much that I could spend time with everyone, at all levels. I appreciate that a lot."
Joy and Energy at Every Turn
Forró New York is infused with a contagious energy that fills everyone with joy.
"I love the energy here—the teachers, the people, the musicians," shares Brian Cohen from New York. "It’s really great energy, and it fills me with a lot of joy."
Elaine from Ottawa, Ontario, feels similarly about the vibe: "I like the energy that everyone has at this festival. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming."
Mara Stibitz from Chicago sums it up perfectly: "My favorite thing about coming to New York is seeing all of the people from the New York community, and other communities, coming together. Seeing all of my friends—it’s always so much fun."
The Heart of the Forró Community
What makes Forró New York special isn’t just the dancing, the music, or the workshops—it’s the people. Whether they come from around the block or across the world, everyone finds something unique, something meaningful in the festival.
“When I come to New York, I find good friends I’ve known for a long time. They are warmhearted and love to dance—that’s everything,” says Tarciso from Brazil, now living in Boston.
Forró New York is more than a festival—it’s a place where a shared love for music and dance brings people together and creates a lasting, vibrant community.
About the author
Rafael Piccolotto de Lima is an experienced teacher. He is passionate about arts, a doctor of musical arts, and a Latin Grammy nominee as a composer.
For him, all forms of expression are somehow related. Based on that premise, his interest and work have a wide spectrum: from a tail tux at a concert hall, to the dance shoes at a worn-out dance floor.
Born in Campinas, São Paulo - Brazil, now he lives at the NYC area, teaches weekly forró classes in Manhattan and produces some of the best forró festivals in North-America.
Website: www.rafaelpdelima.com
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/rafaelpdelima
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rafaelpiccolottodelima/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RafaelPiccolottodeLima/
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