A Partnership Between DEAEF, Promise South Salt Lake, and Samba Fogo

The DEA Educational Foundation (DEAEF) has partnered with Promise South Salt Lake and Samba Fogo to deliver an innovative arts-based prevention program that combines Brazilian dance and drumming. Designed to engage students in positive activities while teaching social skills and preventing substance misuse, the program has been a success in the South Salt Lake community.

Originally, the program was initiated under DEA’s 360 Strategy and when the 360 Strategy concluded, the DEAEF worked to continue the support of the program through national funds. This a great example of our symbiotic relationship with DEA and the commitment to our national sponsors to support successful programs. For the past five years, the DEAEF has continued the collaboration with Promise South Salt Lake and Samba Fogo, a Salt Lake City-based Afro-Brazilian cultural arts organization, to provide dance classes to local youth. Last year, the program expanded to include both dance and drumming classes, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. Samba Fogo, led by Artistic Director Lorin Hansen and Musical Director Mason Aeschbacher, has long been a driving force in Utah’s cultural arts scene, known for its high-energy performances and commitment to enriching the community.

This year’s program, hosted once again at the Central Park Community Center, runs for five weeks, with classes held twice weekly. Students are divided into two groups: younger elementary school students participate in dance classes, while older teens engage in drumming lessons. The program culminates in a live performance where the teens drum alongside the younger dancers, creating a vibrant showcase for parents, guardians, and the community.

The Art of Samba and Its Impact on Students

Samba Fogo’s approach to teaching Samba and Afro-Brazilian culture goes beyond performance—it’s about building confidence, fostering teamwork, and promoting joy through physical activity. The elementary school students warm up with movement exercises and play The Name Game, where students introduce themselves with a movement that reflects their personality, which the class then mimics. Over the five weeks, the students build a dance, sometimes incorporating their "Name Game" movements into the final choreography.

For the teens, the drumming classes offer a unique opportunity to learn batucada, a traditional Brazilian drumming style. Each student is given a percussion instrument—many of which are unique and attention-grabbing—and learns to play as part of a larger “bateria” or drum group. This format allows students of different experience levels to participate and contribute to the overall sound. “It’s a rich landing bed,” says Lorin Hansen, “and we’re giving them something fun, exciting, and positive to do.” Some teens are even invited to join Samba Fogo’s professional band, with the chance to perform at festivals and community events.

Lorin and Mason, as both instructors and role models, share their personal stories and the joy that music and dance have brought to their lives. They also discuss how their artistic careers enable them to live healthy, fulfilling lives. “Samba is such a beautiful art form because it’s instant joy and happiness,” says Lorin. “No matter what kind of day you’re having, drumming and getting your body moving can instantly lift your spirits.”

Promise South Salt Lake’s Commitment to Youth

Promise South Salt Lake, a department of the City of South Salt Lake, plays a pivotal role in organizing and supporting this program. Through their network of 14 after-school and summer programs, Promise South Salt Lake provides dynamic, no-cost opportunities for youth, families, and the community. Their commitment to giving all youth the chance to succeed aligns perfectly with the goals of DEAEF and Samba Fogo.

Promise South Salt Lake measures the program’s impact through pre- and post-surveys, gauging how students feel about the experience and what they’ve learned. Results show that the program helps students develop a sense of belonging, improve social skills, and stay engaged in healthy, creative activities. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with DEAEF because it benefits the kids and their well-being,” says Domoina.

Looking Forward

With the continued support of DEAEF, Promise South Salt Lake, and Samba Fogo, the dance and drumming program is poised for further growth, reaching more students and deepening its impact on the South Salt Lake community. The combination of physical activity, creative expression, and mentorship offers a powerful means of helping youth stay on a positive path and avoid the dangers of drug misuse.

As the program moves forward, the partnership between these organizations will continue to inspire and uplift the next generation of artists, leaders, and community members. With each beat of the drum and every step of the dance, students are learning not only about samba but about themselves, each other, and the transformative power of creativity.