Brazilian Groove Master Leandro Carvalho is from Brazil and has combined three main rythems SAMBA, AXE-(Afro-brazilian), and BAHIA (which is a state of Brazil). Movements are with the shoulders, hips and feet mixed with Ballet and Jazz to add technical support. Leandro Carvalho has been featured in magazines such as Time Out and NY Magazine. Also the Daily News. Leandro Carvalho began his career in his native Brazil, dancing in prestigious Ballet Companies and receiving a B.A. in Physical Education. He came to New York to study dance at Merce Cunningham, and then went to get his M.A. for Recreation Management at N.Y.U. Leandro is an A.F.F. A certified instructor. He teaches his signature class "Brazilian Groove" at Equinox, as well as Aqua, (Water Aerobics) Ab Lab and Body Sculpting. Time Outs Health Issue recently hailed Mr. Carvalho as "The Great Leandro". He can be reached here at www.oasis-dancezone.com or (917) 450-6101. Magazine Excerpt highlighting Leandro Carlvalho: " Every Step He Takes... If you've always wanted to get inside Sting's home, perhaps you should consider learning the Lambada. Just ask Leandro Carvalho. The fitness instructor, known around town for his "Brazilian Groove" class, stumbled upon some luck in L.A. recently when he was introduced to Sting's wife, Trudie Styler. After meeting Carvalho, Styler asked the professional hip-shaker if he wouldn't mind dropping by the couple's Malibu residence to give a private class to their 16-year-old daughter, Mickey, and "a few friends." But Carvalho was aghast to see, arrayed in the sand upon his arrival, Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson, Bjorn Borg, and John McEnroe. Nervous, he pulled himself together long enough to lead the fearsome foursome through a conga-line of kicks and shimmies. No word on whether Sting found the class as titillating as Tantric orgasms, but he did find it pleasurable enough to invite Carvalho to hang out backstage at a concert he was performing the same night. " Magazine Excerpt highlighting Leandro Carlvalho: By Keith Loria Like to samba? Check out the Brazilian Groove class at Equinox, which has students burn calories while dancing to the rich beats of the music. "Brazilian dance movements are very sexy," says Leandro Carvalho, the class' creator. "It all has to do with the hips and shoulders and combining the movements together in a very sensuous way. It's a great workout, and people have really taken to it." Every two weeks the choreography changes, but one staple move is the axe bahia. "You move your arms right to left overhead while simultaneous swinging your hips in the same direction," he says. "You step forward four steps then back four steps. It's that easy." Magazine Excerpt highlighting Leandro Carlvalho: No date for Saturday night? Shake your hips with the great Leandro. Part romance-novel cover model and part trainer, Leandro previously danced with a prestigious ballet company in Brazil but has given it up to teach the masses. Brazilian Groove is a little like a professional dance rehearsal. Don't expect explicit instructions - just watch, let the samba sounds propel your pelvis and try not to get run over by the leotard-clad waifs who've been coming for weeks. After a quick warm-up, Leandro teaches a complicated routine that includes shimmies, turns, jumps and a gyrating hip move that you could demo on a speaker at the Roxy. The 60-minute routine changes every two weeks. "Sometimes it's more ballet; sometimes it's hip-hop or jazz-but sexy jazz," Leandro says. First time dancers would be wise to nab a spot on the outer edge of the studio floor. You never know when a crowd of Brazilian Baryshnikovs will be barreling your way. Magazine Excerpt highlighting Leandro Carlvalho: Written by Lan N. Nguyen Just look at the lithe bodies of professional dancers. But if coordination is not your strong suit or you find dancing under bright lights in public too intimidating, then check out Equinox's loose, fun "Brazilian Groove" class (call 212-972-8000 or click on equinoxnyc.com for more information). Created by Brazilian Leandro Carvalho two years ago, students burn calories while samba-ing to the beat. "Brazilian dance movements are very sexy," he says. "It all has o do with the hips and shoulders and combining the movements together in a very sensuous way." Every two weeks, the choreography changes but one staple move is the axe bahia. Move your arms right to left overhead while simultaneously swinging your hips in the same direction. Step forward four steps then back four steps. You may find these "Groove" moves come in handy on the dance floor.