Australian Samba Retreat is produced by Soul Sambistas and co-directed by Kate Hillgrove and Mayombe Masai.
Founded in 2019 by Samba Sirens as a multi-day samba camp, the event emerged from a clear intention: to create a way for dancers in Australia to deepen their connection to Afro-Brazilian artforms and each other, in a welcoming environment. From the beginning, the heart of the gathering has been immersion, community, and restorative learning rooted in tradition and cultural integrity.
As the event has evolved away from being a camp, the name ‘Retreat’ has remained, honouring its original purpose - to provide a space where dancers can step away from the noise of everyday life and come together in an environment that nurtures deep learning, connection, and respect for the culture.
Who We Are
Meet the Directors
Together, Kate and Mayombe have carefully curated the Retreat into a space of cultural immersion, embodied learning, and community connection, offering dancers from Australia and beyond the rare opportunity to train directly with a range of Master facilitators in an intensive environment that is only otherwise available by travelling abroad.
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Director and FounderKate Hillgrove is an Adelaide-based artist and producer working at the intersection of dance, music, and cultural storytelling. With over two decades of experience working with leading Australian and international artists, she is dedicated to producing distinctive, high-quality artistic experiences, as well as community projects that deepen connection and uphold everyone’s right to experience and create art.
Samba has been a profound source of healing and joy in her life, shaping her commitment to support the growth of the Afro-Brazilian artforms in Australia. As Director of the Australian Samba Retreat, Kate brings this same commitment and enthusiasm to the project.
Her goal is to create space for artists, audience and community members to learn, grow, and experience the transformative spirit of Samba, just as she has, while honouring lineage and cultural integrity.
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Associate DirectorMayombe Masai is a globally celebrated Samba Master and custodian of Afro-Brazilian culture. Born and raised in the cradle of Samba, he carries an extraordinary depth of knowledge across Samba no pé and a diverse range of cultural expressions from Brazil, including his world-famous malandragem.
Renowned for his technical mastery, musicality, and generosity as a teacher, he brings to the Retreat a unique connection to the roots, essence, and the evolution of Samba.