Raio de Luz Samba Performers

Hayward Street Party TODAY June 17th! Prepare to be dazzled at 7:30PM by the light-filled dancers of Raio de Luz Samba Studio.

Learn more about our featured performers: brings a unique spin and passion to dance by advocating for physical and mental healing. They feel a great sense of continuity between their values and that of the Hayward community.

Hayward is recognized for being a supportive, passionate, kind, and connected community that is respectful of diverse perspective. Raio de Luz echoes these principles in combating discrimination and colorism through ancestral healing arts in a vibrant dance community that is free of prejudice and full of unity and light!

Raio de Luz is committed to partnering with organizations like that create welcoming and affirming environments and that boost the health and well-being of diverse communities through engaging events like the Hayward Street Party!
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🗓 Thursday July 17th
⏰️ Event Time: 5:00 to 9:00pm
🎉 Samba Showtime: 7:30pm
📍 B Street & Main Street, Hayward

2025 PARADE HIGHLIGHTS – My Raio de Luz Samba Sisters, we must dance for those that cannot. Yumi Sakugawa said it best: “I often hear - how can I possibly make art when the world is falling apart? It feels selfish to make art when so many people are suffering right now. To that, I want to remind you that oppressors want you to feel helpful and in a state of constant despair and also take away the tools of your limitless radical imagination. They want all of us to dream less, consume more. I say in these times, we make art even more!”

Dance is a radical form of resistance, especially in these uncertain times, and our community must never surrender our joy! When you post photos, you have the opportunity to send a powerful message as light-filled artists who transform pain into power! Please join me in appreciating Ronald Rugel Photography for such a powerful full circle moment!

PART I - A dancer's portrait reflects the light she chooses to bring before the lens, the creativity she puts forth in unique poses, and the length of time she devotes to demonstrating courage in front of the camera. I am proud to debut the official 2025 portraits of the Army of Light: Raio de Luz Parade Sambistas! 

These portraits are made possible in partnership with Ronald Rugel Photography , whose years of experience as a dancer and freelance photographer lent a unique and discerning eye to this incredible portraiture project. Ronald's portfolio specializes in sports, aviation, performances and events including his coverage of our 2025 Carnaval endeavor. All RDL Carnavalistas were invited to participate in individual portrait taking with Ronald Rugel Photographer and 32 out of 36 dancers elected to participate in optional portraits.

These ever-radiant sambistas wear handmade, curated costumes from , owned by Maria Cristina Flynn. These include beaded bikini, trinkini, and dresses with feathered head and back pieces. Brazil Carnival Shop works with major studios in Brazil to produce Samba costumes, shoes, and apparel that they ship worldwide. Each sambistas is encouraged to select individual color schemes/style that represent their diversity and uniqueness as women! 

Our Fresh Joys Shop (OFJS) , a women owned wellness and online retail company,  provided costume scholarships for our dancers, curated wellness products, and an ambassador platform to enhance our joy, peace, body and mind. OFJS co-founders Alana Pagan and Johnette Garcia Phelps invest in our dancers because their innovative and integrative wellness model Ultimate Self Care Formula™, aligns with Raio de Luz’s emphasis on physical and mental well-being through dance. 

PART II - A dancer's portrait reflects the light she chooses to bring before the lens, the creativity she puts forth in unique poses, and the length of time she devotes to demonstrating courage in front of the camera. I am proud to debut the official 2025 portraits of the Army of Light: Raio de Luz Parade Sambistas! 

These portraits are made possible in partnership with Ronald Rugel Photography , whose years of experience as a dancer and freelance photographer lent a unique and discerning eye to this incredible portraiture project. Ronald's portfolio specializes in sports, aviation, performances and events including his coverage of our 2025 Carnaval endeavor. All RDL Carnavalistas were invited to participate in individual portrait taking with Ronald Rugel Photographer and 32 out of 36 dancers elected to participate in optional portraits.

These ever-radiant sambistas wear handmade, curated costumes from , owned by Maria Cristina Flynn. These include beaded bikini, trinkini, and dresses with feathered head and back pieces. Brazil Carnival Shop works with major studios in Brazil to produce Samba costumes, shoes, and apparel that they ship worldwide. Each sambistas is encouraged to select individual color schemes/style that represent their diversity and uniqueness as women! 

Our Fresh Joys Shop (OFJS) , a women owned wellness and online retail company,  provided costume scholarships for our dancers, curated wellness products, and an ambassador platform to enhance our joy, peace, body and mind. OFJS co-founders Alana Pagan and Johnette Garcia Phelps invest in our dancers because their innovative and integrative wellness model Ultimate Self Care Formula™, aligns with Raio de Luz’s emphasis on physical and mental well-being through dance.