Linda Yudin is the co-artistic director and co-founder of Viver Brasil Dance Company (VBDC), based in Los Angeles, and has devoted 20 years to studying, researching, performing, and teaching Afro-Brazilian dance both locally and internationally. Through her rigorous training and research, she connects the Candomblé traditions of music, dance, song, and myths with innovative stage presentations for Viver Brasil. She has secured funding for VBDC from, among others, the New England Foundation for the Arts/National Dance Project, the Amgen Foundation, Heineken USA, and Varig Brasil Airlines. Ms. Yudin received her M.A. in dance ethnology from UCLA and is a dance faculty member at Santa Monica College. She is a consultant for the Hollywood Bowl World Music Festival and has led annual educational trips to Salvador, Bahia, since 1997.