Mariana Triginelli was born and raised in Minas Gerais, Brazil, and has been immersed in samba since the age of six. Her love for samba and Brazilian Carnival runs deep, fueling her lifelong passion for dance. Over the years, she has refined her skills through workshops with renowned samba instructors, including Natalia Moreno and Preta Nascimento. Mariana brings her vibrant energy and cultural pride to every class, making samba not just a dance, but an exciting and transformative experience for her students. Find her on Instagram at @maribythesea. Photo credit: Heather O’Steen Photography.