Online and in person
Learn the baila
Five centuries of party music. No experience needed.
“No Sri Lankan dance is complete … without at least one of these dances.”
— Rodney Ferdinands, Proud & Prejudiced (1995)
- Format
- Online · In person
- Length
- 50 minutes
- Price
- First class free
- Where
- Zoom · In person (coming soon)
- Group size
- Up to 16
Impossible to sit still
Born from the Portuguese word for “to dance,” baila is the sound of Burgher celebration. This class gets you moving, not just listening.
What you’ll do
The story of baila
Where it came from, and how it became Sri Lanka’s party music.
The basic steps
The foundational step and the rhythm underneath it.
Dance it together
Put it to the music, live or recorded, as a group.
Take it home
Basic baila steps and a baila playlist.
Your host
Brianna Ragel
Born in Australia to a Burgher family with Dutch and Portuguese roots, Brianna founded Burgher, Burgher and wrote its song to keep the culture moving.
Questions
Online or in person: what’s the difference?
Online is a live 50-minute class over Zoom, from your own living room. In-person sessions are coming soon. Register your interest in the form.
Do I need a partner?
No. Come solo, in pairs, or as a group.
I have two left feet. Is this still for me?
Yes. It’s designed for complete beginners.
What do I need?
Online: a device to join the call and a little clear space. In person: comfortable shoes.
How do I pay?
Your first class is free. After that, prices are on request, and we’ll email you the details.
Can you run a private session?
Yes, for your event, workplace, school or community group, online or in person. Enquire about a private session.
