Gilmar Sampaio is a native of Salvador, Bahia- dancer, singer/chanter, musician, choreographer, ballet master, master of the sacred dances of the Candomblé and classical ballet. He was initiated into the Candomblé sacred tradition by one of the most important priestesses of Brazilian Candomble, the late Gayakú Hilda Jitolú, founder of Temple Axé Jitolú and Ilê Aiyê, one of the most important Afro-Brazilian social organizations in Salvador, Bahia. He received the title of Babakekerê (small father- assistant to the head priest) of Temple Torrundê where Gilmar has had the opportunity to initiate over 400 devotees, participated as a guest lecturer about African religious practice and where he has had the pleasure to teach this practice to its many participants. He is considered to be one of the foremost chanters of Candomblé sacred song text and its accompanying drumming rhythms. Gilmar inititiated his dance studies with the Castro Alves Theater’s Dance Company. He has been with the company as a dancer, ballet master and a choreographic assistant for 20 years. He has taught traditional and contemporary Afro-Brazilian dance and music to the Balé Folclorico da Bahia, Dance Brazil, Balé Brasileiro da Bahia and to Viver Brasil’s travel study participants (since 2002). He has danced with the Castro Alves Dance Company in New York, Philadelphia, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Israel, and throughout Brazil to critical acclaim. Additionally, he conducts traditional Afro-Brazilian music and dance workshops throughout Brazil. He works frequently with the acclaimed drummer/musician, Layne Redmond. He also has participated in numerous international ballet and dance festivals. Gilmar worked as a teacher, rehearsal director and choreographer for Mariana Gomes, the first foreign ballet dancer contracted by the Bolshoi Ballet. He recently choreographed Odu, an Afro-Brazilian inspired piece for the Castro Alves Dance Company.