Here are some of the questions we are often asked:
I have no / little dance experience, can I still come?
Of course you can. The dance classes will be organised to accommodate for all levels of dancers from beginners through to advanced.
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I have lots of dance experience, will I be bored?
It’s Rio de Janeiro , how could you be bored?!! No, that’s why we ask on the booking form about your past dance experience so we can be sure that we structure the classes in a way that everyone is learning.
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Can I come on my own?
Yes. We are very friendly and the Brazilians are even friendlier so don’t be scared. For the Samba no pé classes, you don’t need a dance partner as it is not a pair dance and for the Samba de Gafieira / Forró classes we have individual dance assistants for everyone in the class so you can learn as quickly as possible.
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What will the weather be like?
Summertime in Rio runs from December to March, at which time temperatures range from 25°C to 40°C, and the cooler period is April to October, when temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C. It does sometimes rain in Rio, but this tends to pass quite quickly, so that means lots of blue skies and good beach days. All our classes are in suitably ventilated dance studios so you will be able to dance in comfort and then top up that tan after class.
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Is Rio de Janeiro a safe place to go?
As with all large cities, Rio is a safe place to go if you observe some basic principles and common sense as you ould do in any other large city. You will receive an orientation briefing when you arrive that will go over the local do’s and dont’s and Brazilians are actually very helpful if you are in need of assistance. Unfortunately due to a lot of hype in the media Rio has acquired a undeserved reputation. Many of our clients are single female travellers and we have never had complaints about people feeling unsafe.
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What happens when I arrive at the airport?
For our trips with airport transfers included or where you have specifically booked an airport transfer, we will be there to meet you and take you to the accommodation. Please supply us with your flight details at least 7 days prior to your arrival. You can also choose to make your own way to your accommodation and full directions will be supplied to you before you travel.
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Where is the neighbourhood of Santa Teresa located?
Santa Teresa is one of Rio´s oldest neighbourhoods and often called the bohemian district of Rio. It offers fantastic views of the Sugar Loaf and Cristo the Redentor and is perfectly located, close to the buzzing nightlife of Lapa, as well as nearby beaches. Its cobbled streets are filled with beautiful, colourful mansion- like houses and it is home to the famous antique bonde (streetcar). It was also once home to the international fugitive, Ronnie Biggs (but he doesn’t live there anymore so don’t worry).
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What standard of accommodation do you offer?
We decided to steer clear of the high-rise hotels full of package holiday-makers and base our holidays in local, boutique guesthouses and beautiful family homes, some of Santa Teresa’s best kept secrets. This gives you a chance to really get to know Rio not just from the tourist sidelines. The guest houses we work with have been selected because each house has something special to offer.
We offer three standards of accomodation, to ensure everyone is catered for:
Budget: Based on two people sharing with a bathroom shared between two rooms or a larger shared room (8-10 people all with single bed accommodation, two ensuite bathrooms and plenty of space!)
Standard: Based on two people sharing with private bathroom
Upmarket: Based on one person in a double room with private bathroom
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Can I arrive earlier / stay later than the advertised holiday dates?
Of course. If you would like to organize your accommodation for this time, remember to let us know well in advance as guesthouses do get booked up. Call us to discuss your holiday plans, and we can also advise if you are travelling elsewhere in Brazil.
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Do you have to speak Portuguese?
No, you don’t. If you can learn a few words before you go that will help. If you speak Spanish you will find it much easier to understand and be understood. Our tour guides all speak Portuguese.
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How will I understand the dance classes if I don’t speak Portuguese?
Where necessary we will ensure that someone is on hand to translate.
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How many people will be on the holiday?
Jingando Holidays are not for those who enjoy “spot the tourist, transport ‘em by the coach load” holidays! We like to keep our groups small, so you can really enjoy your holiday. Previous trips have averaged between 6-15 people.
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Where do the dance classes take place?
The dance classes take place in a local dance academy approx. 15 minutes from the accommodation. Transport to the dance classes is included in your holiday.
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What additional items do I need to budget for?
You will need to budget for entrance to clubs, drinks (apart from where specified at our parties) and any extra trips or purchases you wish to make. We do not have a long list of “optional” extras that you will have to budget for as the trips we offer are included in our holiday price – however, there are many great activities ranging from hiking trips in the rainforest (approx $R150) to paragliding from the mountains down to the beach (approx $R260) or a helicopter ride (approx $R150) which you may wish to take part in while you are there.
As of August 2008, there are approx 3 Brazilian Reals ($R) to the British Pound. A ten minute taxi journey costs around $R15, Entrance to a club would be between $R5-25 and a caipirinha will set you back about $R5-10 (trust us, you won’t need too many of them!)
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