Meet Georgette Bond | Samba Dancer and Instuctor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Georgette Bond and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Georgette, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am a new risk taker! Before risk were scary to me. As my main fear is the unknown. I did not want to do anything that I could not foresee the outcome in advance. I felt that being safe was the right thing to do because I felt comfortable. But looking back on my journey I realized not taking risk didn’t get me far. I got safe results. Which isn’t bad but for person that had dreams that were more daring I needed to jump! I still hesitate sometimes but I am no longer afraid to jump. Why because after you take so many risk you start to build resistance to the fall, you start to realize everything will be okay. You may not land in the exact spot you originally calculated. I usually end up landing in a better spot that leads me to the next take off. I accept challenges, I accept adversities, I accept the lessons.

Risk is sometimes looked at as a bad word for business owners, especially new ones. You mostly hear about the negative effects of risk taking from losing everything, to failing. But the same results are possible if you dont take risk. For me it was important that I listened to people who failed and got back up, and those who succeeded after taking risk.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Yes so I am a Brazilian Samba Dancer/Instructor. I am dedicated to spreading the truth of samba and sharing the story of the favela communities, where samba originated from, the dedication to display this healing art form to the world, the triumphs and tribulations and the victories won on the day of Carnaval! Its not just feathers and a costume, its the life of thousands of black people in Rio De Janeiro, Sao Paulo and other places in Brazil. Each year samba schools across the country tell the story of the history of the slaves, racial injustices, poverties, crime and other ailments that affect their communities. But the most important part of the stories is the resilience instilled in these people, the smiles, the tears as they parade down Sapucai (Sambadrome). Its an energy like no other.

I am most proud of my samba students, and performance team. They respect the art form and give their all in ever step, every performance to tell the story and share the love of samba. I am excited about our future!

How did I get here today? Never giving up. My journey started from watching samba on Youtube years ago and dancing in my bedroom every night wanting to be just like the passistas, musas and queens of carnaval. The grace, the power, the soul, the strength in which they danced. I just wanted to feel that. Being one with my body, soul, music and blackness. It wasn’t easy. I had a few no’s, a few people that made it a little difficult for me to get to the next level. But my biggest challenge was me. I had to breakthrough the old me or pleasing everyone, being safe, taking no for answers, not standing up for myself and just giving up! Once I ripped through that wall I landed in places I could have never imagine, met people who I dreamed of meeting and being mentioned in countries and places I haven’t stepped foot in yet! The old me had to die to get here today! Now having a dance studio, samba school and performance team. I am forever grateful.

I want the world to know that we are just getting started, there is more to learn, more to grow and that I am ready for any challenges that come my way!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First up!

Things to do

Beltline, The roof, Cascade skating rink, Edgewood for nightlife, Havana nightclub, Topgolf, Botanical Gardens

Food

Poor Calvins Brunch, I would also head over to tik tok and find cool restaurants on there. Follow the Atlanta food maps.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give credit to my love Justin Harrell!

When we first met I had so many dreams and goals and he loved that about me! But he noticed that I needed to make some changes to myself and the way I go after them in order to be the best version of myself. He coached me, stood by myside the entire way. He was around for everything I accomplished that I said I would. The long nights, crying, not knowing what to do next, failures which I thought would break me. He would pick me up each time, pass the baton and tell me to keep running. I have never met a more selfless patient person, I am who I am today because of him. My fearless leader!

Instagram: iamgeorgetteb

Other: Samba Performance Group – @axebrasilatl