Jean Stora began studying Brazilian dance, capoeira and percussion in 1990 with the samba schools of San Francisco. Inspired by the irresistible rhythms of Brazil and the city’s vibrant Latin American and Caribbean arts scene, he went on to perform professionally as both a dancer and percussionist with numerous local companies and bands. In 1995, he was crowned San Francisco’s King of Carnaval.

​

Driven by his passion for Latin American music, dance and culture, Jean travelled extensively throughout Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Mexico. A native French speaker, he also speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese.

​

Jean began performing and teaching samba in Australia in 1996 before returning to San Francisco, where he taught highly popular classes at the renowned Dance Mission studio.

​

In 2001, he taught Brazilian dance and percussion in France, performed at music festivals across the country with "Les Diables Bleus", and directed the Brazilian dance company "Cuisse de Samba".

​

The following year, Jean established Dance Central studio in Sydney, with the vision of bringing a diverse range of dance styles together under one roof.
He also founded the SambaFrog performing company, a vibrant multicultural dance and percussion ensemble.

​

In 2006, Jean moved to Newcastle, where he established a SambaFrog Newcastle. 
Through SambaFrog, he has continued to share the energy, colour and spirit of Brazilian culture with audiences and students.

​

Jean has recently returned to Sydney and continues to bring his energetic and exhilarating style of Brazilian dance and percussion to performances, workshops and classes in both Sydney and Newcastle.