How to dance brazilian music

10 Traditional Brazilian Dances You Should Know About

Samba |©Raphael David|Riotur/Flickr

Sarah Brown

31 May 2017

Brazil is truly the nation of music and dance. Spend a few days there and you will see how deeply rooted this is in the Brazilian culture. Some dances are well known, such as samba that has become a national symbol, while others remain under the radar. Here are 10 traditional Brazilian dances worth knowing about.

As the symbol of Brazil, any good list about traditional Brazilian dances has to start with samba. Samba is a Brazilian music genre and dance style notable for its fast footwork and flowing hip swings which, when coupled with the beats of a steel drum, seems to leave spectators in a trance. Its origins lie in the west coast of Africa, coming to Brazil through slavery. It is the music genre and dance most closely linked to Rio de Janeiro.

Jongo – sometimes known as caxambu – was brought over to Brazil through slavery and is thought to have originated from Angola. The dance is sometimes referred to as an ancient form of samba and a performance of jongo does prove that the step work is often very similar. Lively and spirited, the dance is performed to a harmonious group of people singing and playing simple instruments. It is sometimes associated with Umbanda, a religion with roots in Africa.

Often simply referred to as funk, Carioca funk has its own distinct style. Funk is a mix of Miami bass and African-style music, producing an underground, gritty sound – often accompanied with controversial lyrics about women, sex and drugs. The style of dance is popular among women in the baile funks – funk parties – and is similar to twerking, with emphasis on pronounced hip movement.

One of the most traditional dances out there, Bumba Meu Boi is a folklore tradition and is mostly celebrated in the north of the country around the same time as Festa Junina (June Festival). The event is based around a story of a bull that dies and is later resurrected, having influences of African, European, and indigenous cultures. The theatrical dance is very lively and performed in a circle with plenty of ornate costumes.

Forro originates from the northeast of Brazil, yet its popularity has spread across the country over the last few years, especially in the southeast. The dance is performed in pairs and ranges from a slow, intimate side shuffle, to a much more complex rhythm of fast footwork, swings and jumps, bearing some similarities to the waltz.

Found in the northern state of Pará in Brazil, Carimbó is classified as an indigenous dance and reflects artistic expression of the Amazonian culture. Typically, the women wear long, colorful skirts with large floral stamps and men and women dance together in a circle to the beat of a few simple yet rhythmic instruments.

Although not fully classified as a dance, it is a unique combination of martial arts, dance and acrobatics. To spectators, the hypnotizing music and fluidity of the moves certainly appear dance-like. Capoeira is another dance that has an African origin, coming over to Brazil through slavery. The moves include fast-paced sweeps, kicks and dodges with the lower body playing out most of the moves whilst the upper body balances the actions.

Lundu is an Afro-Brazilian dance and music, originating from Africa. Performed in a couple, the dance is relatively slow yet highly-charged and sensual. It has been identified as the root of choro (a Brazilian style of music) and samba.

Considered a fundamental part of forro, baião mixes various music and dance cultures from African, European and indigenous societies. Mostly found in the state of Pernambuco, it is often considered a rural dance. The music is kept simple yet lively with instruments such as the zabumba, the dance usually performed in pairs or in a group.

Xote is a typical type of forro dance that is incredibly versatile and has several variations across the country. Blending both European and African influences, it also incorporates elements of salsa, mambo and rumba, depending on the region in Brazil.

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Dança!: Movement and Music of Brazil

Summary
Immerse yourself in the lively mood of Samba and Carimbo. Learn the basic steps and dance along with the music. Identify the instruments and play along with others. Learn about the relationships of Samba and Carimbo with other musics such as jazz and swing.

Suggested Grade Levels: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Country: Brazil
Region: South America
Culture Group: African Brazilian, Brazilian
Genre: Samba, Carimbó
Instruments: Maracas, Guitar, Agogô, Atabaque, Berimbau, Pandeiro, Reco-Reco, Male Voices, Transverse Flute, Carimbó, Onco, Ganzá
Language: Portuguese
Co-Curricular Areas: Social Studies, Dance
National Standards: 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9
Prerequisites: None

Objectives:

Movement through Samba and Carimbó
Playing instruments associated with the Samba and Carimbó
Experiencing Brazilian music

Material:

“Bambo du Bambú: Samba” performed by Ernesto dos Santos. Music of the World's Peoples: Vol. 3 (FW0406)
Instruments: tambourine, agogo bells, guiro, various shakers, various drums (all optional)
A large dance space would be ideal, however the samba can be danced in close quarters if necessary
“Carimbó” performed by Conjunto Tapayoara from Music of Para, Brazil: Carimbó, Pajelança, Batuque & Umbanda (FW04346)
Copy of the Disney movie “Saludos Amigos” (optional)

Lesson Segments:

Samba: Brazil’s National Music (National Standards 1, 2, 6, 8, 9)
Carimbó (National Standards 2, 3, 6, 8, 9)

1. Samba: Brazil’s National Music

“Bambo du Bambú: Samba”
from Music of the World's Peoples: Vol. 3 (1955) | FW04506

The word Samba refers to the genre and the dance. After listening to the recording a few times, dance the samba with “Bambo du Bambú”! A very basic version of samba can be danced with a quick-quick slow, quick-quick slow (or nq nq) rhythm. The basic samba step is as follows:

Step forward with left foot
Bring right foot next to the left, but don’t transfer weight completely. The ball of the foot should receive some pressure (enough to release the left foot a bit) so that both knees are slightly bent on the ‘&’ of beat 1
Transfer all weight back to the left foot
Repeat, starting with the right foot this time
Don’t forget to stand up straight and move your hips!
Dance the samba around the room, following your own path or following a friend
Samba is danced both solo and in pairs

If you choose to pair up, the dance hold is traditional style, and one partner must start with the left foot, one with the right

“Bambo du Bambu”, (recorded by Ernesto dos Santos) in 1942 is an embolada sung with samba style rhythms and percussion.

An embolada is a strophic song which is often comical and utilizes onomatopoeia and alliteration which, with a fast tempo, enhance the rhythm of the song
Try to sing along with the chorus:
Oia bambo du bambubelê (bambú)
Oia bambo du bambubalá
Oia bambo du bambubelê
Quero ver dizer três vezes bambulá

Loose translation: look at the bamboo, look at the bamboo, look at the bamboo, I want to say three more times bamboo
The rhythm of the lyrics would make an interesting percussion ensemble or speech piece

Carnaval Samba may be the most famous variation of the genre, but samba has many facets.

Nightclub singers, acoustic guitar players, alternative rock bands and electronica DJs also use samba in their performances

Explore the diverse world of samba styles on the internet.

Discuss similarities and differences in rhythm, form and instrument usage between styles
Find three interesting and diverse styles of samba to play for your students

During one class period, discuss the similarities and differences between the three pieces
On another day, assess students on their listening (see rubric)

Carnival samba is played by a percussion ensemble called a bateria, consisting of:

Pandeiro (like a tambourine with a head)
Agogô, Ganzá (like tambourine jingles on a rectangular frame)
Reco-Reco (a scraper with metal springs)
Caixa (like a snare drum, pronounced ‘cai-sha’)
Cuíca (friction drum)
Repinque (10”-12” two-headed drum played with one stick and a hand)
Surdo(large two-headed drum played with hard or soft beater)
Experiment with these samba rhythms on classroom instruments:

The sixteenth notes in Samba are not quite straight.

The second of each group of four is played slightly later, giving the rhythm a bit of a swing or suingue as it’s known in samba schools

Walt Disney’s 1942 trip to Brazil sparked a love for Brazilian music in the entertainment magnate, and was this trip that inspired Disney to include a Brazilian character, “José Carioca” and samba music in several cartoon movies.

“Saludos Amigos” (“Hello Friends”), released in 1943, features Donald Duck and Jose listening to, playing, and dancing the samba to Ari Barroso’s “Aquarela do Brasil” (“Watercolor of Brazil”), one of the best known and most recorded sambas

Find a copy of this movie and watch the Samba section with your class; the instruments, rhythms and dance are showcased beautifully

Samba and jazz have many parallel features.

Both began as a fusion of African and European musics
Both thrived in a point in history where urban and rural cultures were beginning to blend, and recording technology made possible wide distribution
Both were initially subject to criticism, and later celebrated as symbols of national identity
Both involve a strong pulse, layers of rhythms, and improvisation
Both originated in poorer communities, and have become globally popular
Both samba and jazz refer to families of styles, not a single style.

**Consider including samba in a unit about jazz (or jazz in your samba unit) and leading a class or small group discussion about these similarities and differences.

Assessment:

Assessment	Basic Level	Proficient Level	Advanced Level
Dancing the Samba	The student cannot keep a steady beat and the rhythm is not accurate.	The student is able to dance the simple samba alone.	The student is able to dance the simple samba with a partner.
National Standard #2: Playing samba rhythms on classroom instruments	The student cannot keep a steady beat and the rhythm is not accurate, but the student finishes with the group.	The student is able to perform one of the samba parts correctly, with the steady beat.	The student is able to perform two or more of the samba rhythms correctly, with the steady beat; and teach them to other students.
National Standard #9: The student is asked to describe or explain how (1) pitch or melody (2) rhythm or tempo (3) harmony or texture (4) voices or instruments (5) form or structure are used in three brief recorded examples of Samba music	1. The student can describe or explain the use of two of the five categories of characteristics in one of the examples. 2. The student's answers are essentially correct but superficial or incomplete.	1. The student can describe or explain the use of three of the five categories of characteristics in two of the examples. 2. The student's answers are accurate and complete.	1. The student can describe or explain the use of four of the five categories of characteristics in all three of the examples. 2. The student's answers are accurate and complete.

2. Carimbó

“Carimbó”
from Music of Para, Brazil: Carimbó, Pajelança, Batuque and Umbanda (1982) | FW04346

Carimbó is the name of a drum, a style of music, and a style of dance.

Carimbó music and dance has its origins in Belem, a city in the state of Para
The dance, music, and drum are clearly African Brazilian in origin, as well as influenced by some of the indigenous Amazon tribes present in Para

In the recording you may hear:

onca (a friction drum present in many different Brazilian music genres)
Two Carimbó
A reco-reco (scraper with metal springs)
Two rattles
A ganza (metal shaker)
A cavaquinho (plucked lute)
A banjo
A transverse flute

Carimbó dancing has a step similar to the Samba.

In Carimbó, however, women wear long, flowing skirts, and they spend much of the dance twirling around
At some point during the dance, the woman will drop her handkerchief and the man must pick it up using only his teeth

Listen to the recording.

Do you hear the instruments mentioned above?

Tap the pulse while you listen again
Are there similarities between the samba you heard earlier and the Carimbó?

Carimbó dancers usually stand in a ring and will then take turns dancing either solo or in pairs in the ring.

Sometimes they will imitate other people, animals or birds in their dances
Experiment with this type of ring dance to the recording of “Carimbó” in your classroom
As solo dancers improvise in the ring, the outside dancers may snap, imitating castanets, as Carimbó dancers often snap during a dance

Put together your own Carimbó-like ensemble to accompany the dancers.

Low pitched drums playing the steady beat
Shakers and scrapers playing sixteenth notes
Add recorders and/or bar instruments if you would like, either learning the melody by rote from the recording or improvising over the Carimbó rhythm section
E minor may be a more comfortable key than the key of the Carimbó on the recording

Brazil has a history much like the United States.

Both countries have a shameful past of slavery and marginalizing native culture groups
Like the United States a diverse population has made the musical culture of Brazil rich and complex
Discuss with your class the way cultures blend their styles to create something new and beautiful

Assessment:

Assessment	Basic Level	Proficient Level	Advanced Level
National Standard #3: Carimbó Improvisation	The beat is not steady and the rhythm is not accurate, but the student finishes with the group.	1. The beat is steady and the rhythm is accurate. 2. The improvisation contains some rhythmic fragments from the selection.	1. The beat is steady and the rhythm is accurate. 2. The improvisation is based on rhythmic or melodic fragments from the selection.

Additional Resources:

Books
Murphy, John P. (2006). Music in Brazil: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture. New York: Oxford University Press.

Video
Disney, Walt (producer). (1943). Saludos Amigos [motion picture]. United States: RKO Radio Pictures.

Hot ten Brazilian dances. hot brazilian dancing brazilian dancers

Strive to organize a bright party that will be remembered by the guests and hosts of the holiday? Do you have a charismatic presenter, armed with toasts and contests, live music and song performers, but lack the zest that will make the event truly unforgettable? Diversify the program with elements of a Brazilian show with incendiary samba and passionate rumba, the sexy and sensual dance of Brazilian pop. A wide selection of dance styles will allow one team to entertain guests throughout the holiday.

What are the criteria for selecting Brazilian dancers for the celebration?

Performers of a dance program must meet certain requirements of the entertainment industry:

have a stylish, memorable image that corresponds to the creative direction0009 manage the audience in the hall and on the stage.

How to assess the ability of Brazilian dancers and dancers and not order a "pig in a poke"?

The entertainment market is full of show groups and dance groups performing Brazilian dances. Before you opt for specific performers and conclude an agreement, you should carefully analyze the information about the team.

Acquaintance with the performers of ethnic South American dances begins with studying their work experience and professional skills. On the pages of the site, information about passionate Latin dance groups worthy of your attention is collected and published.

Each group has its own section with a description of the history of creation, repertoire, a list of events in which the group took part, and the level of training of performers. The page also indicates the time spent in the catalog and the number of recommendations from former clients. This is also a kind of assessment of the capabilities of the dancers. This information is supported by photographs and posters from concerts and shows. Be sure to check for videos showing performers at work.

Of course, a troupe providing quality entertainment services will have a set of photo and video materials to showcase themselves to potential clients in a presentable way.

If you register on the site, you can not only find useful information for yourself, but also place an order for the Brazilian dancers you are interested in. To do this, you must fill out a special form and wait for a call from the administrator.

The Maracana stadium - the emphasis on the last letter - is truly enormous. It was built for the FIFA World Cup at 1950th year and was completed just 2 weeks before the first game. Unfortunately, the Brazilians then lost in the final to their neighbors from Uruguay:

At the entrance, the walls are decorated with photographs of famous Brazilian football players:

And their footprints:

The entire first floor is decorated with photographs of great Brazilian football players and their trophies: 9003:

Inside the stadium does not seem very big:

VIP box:

There is a lounge under it:

A carpet from Tajikistan hangs on one of the walls, and the locals have no idea what country it is and where it is located:

I was surprised that there is no team in the dressing room even similar cabinets - only chairs and hooks:

I really liked the row of baths. Girls can imagine naked players soaking here after the game:

An underground tunnel leads from the dressing rooms to the pitch. Here, the teams line up and, on command, run onto the field. The walls are adorned with photographs of great players and national teams. Countless golden feet of the planet have passed through this corridor:

We were met on the field by a "chaser". He did wonders with the ball, hitting it with his feet, knees, head, shoulders and even heels:

At one point, he threw the ball on his back and took off his shirt without dropping it. And then he put it back in the same position:

Maracana is not the only stadium in Rio. In addition to football, the famous carnival is also held here. Every February life stops for 3 days. Stands are lined up along one of the streets, accommodating a total of 120,000 people!

There are several Samba schools and each of them demonstrates their art during the carnival:

Rich people can rent a whole box for themselves (in the distance, on the right in the frame) and enjoy the carnival while sipping champagne:

Although most Brazilians prefer Cayperinho - a local cocktail very similar to Mojito, only with lime and very sweet:

And in the evening we visited another "most-most" famous samba show in Brazil and the world. Before it started, we were entertained by a Brazilian girl in her 50s. For half an hour, she never dropped the ball. And the chaser from Maracana was not even a match for her. She managed to mint the ball with her head while sitting on the floor.

Then she stopped the ball and it just lay on her head. At the same time, she managed to get up from her knees with the ball on her head:

The show itself was very colorful. There are 27 states in Brazil and each of them has its own Samba technique. During the performance, they tried to show us all the schools:

The school of combat Samba - Capoeira made the greatest impression on my child. Previously, slaves were forbidden to train martial arts and they came up with this type of samba, covering their training with them. He asked to record everything on video to show the choreography teacher at school and ask them to teach them to dance the same way:

I liked the tap dancer very much:

His partners were shaking the sirloins with breathtaking amplitude. For clarity, he put his motionless hands next to him:

Sometimes I began to doubt - were they women?

Carnival in Brazil is traditionally associated with samba, and meanwhile, each state has its own traditions of its celebrations and dances closely related to folklore and religious beliefs, based on jokes, legends or telling about important events in history. Our Brazilian author Kristina Polyakova has collected the ten most common dances that performed in Brazil during this "riotous" time of the year.

1. Samba

This musical genre was brought to Brazil with African slaves, and the roots of samba go into the rituals of worshiping spirits Orisha. The dance first came to Bahia and gradually gained popularity in other countries. states, and today is the hallmark of Rio de Janeiro, and you can it is an exaggeration to say that this style has become a symbol of national identity every Brazilian. The main characteristic of samba is the syncopated rhythm, which is created by a wide range of percussion instruments. expressive movements hips, rapid movement of body weight due to bending and straightening of the knees - these are the main characteristics of the dance. Samba can be danced in a pair (pagoda,), in a circle (samba de roda) and groups (samba well ne).

2. Funk

Brazilian funk originated in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro in the 70s under the influence of MiamiBass, freestyle, hip hop and electro funk. The dance is distinguished by frank movements of the hips, waves, shaking. And although funk is often criticized for its vulgar language, violence and justification for drugs, funk parties are attracting more and more people today, and the dance has become a popular phenomenon not only among the Brazilians, but also won fans around the world.

3. Ashe

In Salvador (Bahia) in the 80s during the carnival appeared a new style - ashe - which absorbed the characteristic features of different dances: frevo, reggae, merengue, foho and maracatu. It's a mixture of steps and movements from quadrillas and gingas (a method of movement characteristic of capoeira), which create energetic and sensual dance. The word translates as "energy", "supernatural power" and denotes a religious greeting from Afro-Brazilian religious cult of Candomblé.

4. Olodum

In 1979, a carnival block called "Olodum". The main role in this cheerful and rhythmic dance music is played by percussion instruments. Today olodum is not just new musical direction, it became a cultural movement against racism and discrimination, advocating for the rights of marginalized groups of the population. Michael Jackson was so taken with the idea that he filmed a video for the song "They Don't Care About Us" at the Center Salvador with the participation of a huge number of musicians - the inhabitants of Pelorinho.

5. Foho

This simple pair dance originated in the northeast at the beginning of the 19th century, and today is popular throughout Brazil. Initially, couples danced on the ground and in order not to raise dust, took small and low steps, and the legs were in a closed position: right a man's leg between a woman's legs. Foho's main instrument is the accordion, and the rhythm create a zabumba and a triangle. Foho movements are a bit like merengue.

6. Maracatu

Maracatu from the state of Pernambuco is a mixture Afro-Brazilian, Amerindian and European elements with a strong religious message (worship of the Orisha spirits). Dancers dress up in carnival costumes and depict the king, princess, queen and ambassadors. This tuple consisting of historical characters accompanies a band that plays on drums. The very name "maracatu" means "percussion instrument", which is only confirms its frantic rhythm with jumps and whirls.

7. Frevo

This dance is from the state of Pernambuco are distinguished by fast movements, colored clothes and bright umbrellas in their hands - the main frevo element. Unlike other carnival styles, no words are used here, and the music is full of fanfare. The choreography of the dance is very active - these are steps, rotations, umbrella juggling and jinga.

8. Maculele

Maculele has African-Indian roots. The dance began to be performed during the colonial period to celebrate harvest. He symbolizes combat and uses sticks as weapons. Mestre begins to sing, and the choir answers him. Men perform movements in four measures, striking on each first measure with sticks. The rhythm is set by pandeiro and atabaque.

9. Bumba meu fight

Style originated from north-east of the country in the XVIII century under the influence of the Portuguese, African and indian culture. Today it is one of the folklore symbols of Brazil. This is a mixture of dance, music and theatrical performance in which the performers sing and dance to tell the story of the bull that died and rose again.

Brazil is a Latin American country known for a number of dances that have gained immense popularity internationally.
As you know, dance is a form of non-verbal communication that serves to express human experience, and which over time has become an art form.

Brazil is home to many popular dances that contain elements of African, Portuguese and European dance forms. Samba, carimbo, capoeira, furro or forro and lundu are some of the famous dances of Brazil. Today we will talk about the origin and evolution of these dances.

Brazilian dances are dominated by components of African and Portuguese cultural heritage. As in other Latin American countries where slave labor was used, plantations became the backbone of the colonial economy in Brazil.

Considering that slaves were brought mainly from Africa, the influence of African traditions on music and dance was very strong. The elite stratum of the population, and, accordingly, the cultural traditions remained Portuguese, and Roman Catholicism was the official religion.

Brazilian samba

Brazil's national dance, the samba, originated among African slaves in the state of Bahia. The samba da Roda (samba ring) is similar to the Puerto Rican bomba and Cuban rumba, and necessarily uses a circular arrangement of dancers, musicians, and spectators. The dancers usually go out into the circle one at a time. The basic step of the samba is fast, the weight in the dance movements is quickly transferred from one foot to the other to the main rhythm of the percussion instruments in 2/4 tempo. Most of the dancer's movements are oriented towards the legs, while the upper body remains relatively relaxed.

After slavery ended in 1888, sugarcane workers migrated to the cities. Many of them settled in the hills surrounding Rio de Janeiro. It was in these favelas (slums) that the carnival samba was born. Over time, escolas de samba (samba schools) began to appear here, which functioned as community clubs.

Carnival in Brazil is an explosive release of energy, during which music and dance simply reign in the streets. Samba gained nationwide popularity through radio and the recording industry at 1940s. Among the many variants of samba that emerged in the 20th century, notable ones are the horiño, bossa nova, gafieira, samba de salon, samba enredo, samba de mulattas, samba reggae, and pegoda.

In addition to the world-famous and popular throughout Brazil samba, many parts of the country have their own styles of carnival music and dance, such as frevo (a very fast, athletic dance with some movements similar to those used in Russian folk dances), maracatus in the state of Pernambuco, as well as afox and blocko afro in El Salvador.

Candomle religious dance

The oldest Afro-Brazilian afoxé group, Filhos de Gandhy, was founded in 1940 to promote the themes of brotherhood, peace and tolerance in an environment where discrimination was prevalent. The drumming and dance moves of this group were inspired by the religious candomblé dance and healing rituals. Beginning in the 1970s, many groups of black Brazilians, collectively referred to as blocos afros, supported their endeavors. Their musical themes, costumes, and dance choreography were inspired by African themes, and their dance performances are characterized by active torso and arm movement.

The Brazilian religion of Candomlé, which is based on African traditions, and related religious practices across the country use dance as a central element of worship. Candomblé is an adaptation of the Yoruba spiritual system from West Africa, while also being similar to the Cuban Santeria.

The main focus of the dance is the worship of orishas or deities who are believed to control the forces of nature. The candomblé dancers, mostly women, sing the praises of the orisha in a counter-clockwise direction, while three men try to drum the deities to participate in the festival. Dancers during the ritual gradually fall into a state of possession. It is worth noting that these dance rituals of orisha deity possession are not allowed outside of religious celebrations.

Capoeira

In addition to samba and candomblé, capoeira, a mixture of martial art and dance believed to be of African origin, is very popular in the country. After capoeira ceased to be a form of self-defense that masqueraded as entertainment, this dance, full of acrobatic movements, became the hallmark of Brazilian folklore dance groups.

Capoeira is also one of the most popular Afro-Brazilian dances in the country. Historians believe that the dance originated from martial arts. It was also created in Brazil by African slaves, mostly from Angola. However, there is a lot of controversy regarding the origin of this dance. Some historians believe that the dance is directly derived from African fighting styles, while others believe that it is a purely Brazilian dance influenced by both Brazilian and African dance forms.

Some experts even suggested that the word "capoeira" comes from the word "Capao" - the Portuguese term for a castrated rooster. The dance style is also like a fight between two roosters. Although there are significant differences of opinion regarding the origin of the dance and its name, it is an indisputable fact that the dance steps in capoeira bear a close resemblance to martial arts. Participants, as a rule, form a circle, and then, in turn, go to the center in pairs and arrange a half-dance-half-combat competition.

Carimbo and Lambada

Karimbo is the name of both the dance and the big drums that accompany it. In the Tupi language, the word means "drum". Carimbo is a folk dance from the State of Para in Brazil, in which African, Portuguese and European traditions are intertwined.

This is a sensual dance in which the woman tries to wrap her skirt around her dance partner. Sometimes the woman drops the handkerchief on the floor, which her male partner must pick up in his mouth. After the dance was influenced by modern rhythms, carimbo made a significant contribution to the development of another dance form - "Lambada". In Portuguese, lambada means "strong blow".

Another meaning of the word in Brazilian Portuguese is the undulating motion of a ship. The dance is also characterized by the undulating movements of the dancers' bodies. Lambada became popular around the world in the 1980s.

Forro is a Brazilian music and dance style that combines regional Brazilian rhythms and dances with European, African and indigenous folklore. One of the forro melodies has more than 200 years of history, it has become traditional for the Brazilian people even before the popularization of samba.

The Forro culture originated in the northeast, spreading further to the south of the country. As a result, forro began to dance throughout Brazil. But the victorious march of the dance did not stop there - it began to spread throughout the world. It is generally accepted that the word "Forro" originates from the English language from "for all" (for all). This term originated in the early twentieth century, during the construction of the Great Western Railway in Brazil. British engineers living in Pernambuco began to hold parties open to any public, hence the name "for all". The Brazilians, over time, remade the English phrase into "Forro". Another version of the same story is not about British engineers, but about Americans who had a military base in Brazil during World War II.

Another historical study proves that the term comes from the African word "forrobod", which means party. Forro as a musical genre can be considered a derivative of Baio. Initially, the name Forro was used only to indicate the place where the dances were held. Only then forro became a separate musical style.

Forro is a very sensual dance, the closeness of partners is felt literally in every step. In the countryside, the forro is danced to get to know a future partner. What is worth noting is that the movements of the hips are very important in the dance. The forro is danced with one hand holding the partner's hand and the other hand resting on the partner's thigh or waist.

Lundu

Although this dance form was most popular in the 1600s and 1700s, it is still practiced today. Lundu dance is usually accompanied by guitar, piano, and percussion, and often includes castanets as well.

Samba Gafieira

Gafieira are dance halls that were frequented by the working class in Brazil in the past. Some gafieira have turned into clubs, which are now part of the excursion program in Rio de Janeiro.

Samba de Gafieira is a pair dance that combines elements of carnival samba, salsa, Argentinean tango, maniche (Brazilian tango) and some acrobatic elements. It is sometimes called Brazilian tango. Samba de Gafieira is suitable for all ages, and even though this dance has been known in Brazil for more than a decade, it continues to attract young people with its cheerfulness and great scope for creativity. Remarkably, this dance can be performed to various Latin rhythms.

The Samba de Gafieira originated in the 1940s in the Gafieira (workers' dance halls) of Rio de Janeiro. Samba de Gafieira has changed quite a lot since its inception. Today, the samba de gafieira is a modern dance with a Brazilian "mentality". It is worth noting that in Brazil, the samba de gafieira is considered a ballroom dance, although it differs from the generally accepted sports international samba.

At the world-famous Brazilian carnival, ballroom samba is not danced. Here, just the samba de gafieira is performed, as well as the “samba no pe”. The difference between these dances is that samba no pe is a Brazilian folk dance that is literally danced on the street, samba de gafieira is known all over the world, it is often taught in dance schools.

In Brazil, the samba de gafieira is danced to samba music, bossa nova, chorinho, pagoda and other Brazilian motifs. However, this dance is also performed to non-Brazilian music. Perhaps that is why samba de gafieira has gained popularity outside of its homeland.

If someone thinks that samba is difficult to dance, he should get acquainted with frevo. All movements in this dance require long rehearsals, as well as great strength, endurance and flexibility. The dance was inspired by the movements of capoeira (Brazilian martial art) and has over 120 different movements. Examples of common movements in this dance include jumping, coordinated quick leg movements, leg curls, and somersaults. It is not so easy to try to dance the frevo yourself... But there are people who are able to dance the frevo with perfection, they are called passishta. They wear bright clothes and when they dance they use small umbrellas.

Frevo is the collective name for several music and dance styles originating in the Brazilian northeastern state of Pernambuco. All these styles are traditionally associated with carnival. In Pernambuco for over a hundred years of dance, frevo is the most common and popular style. There are many frevo clubs where exciting competitions are held between members to determine the best of the best. The appearance and development of frevo had a great influence on the march, capoeira (a popular national martial art) and the Brazilian matchish dance, popular in Europe and America at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Frevo is one of the brightest and most carefree dances in Brazilian folklore. It is so contagious that when dancers perform on the streets, almost no passer-by can remain indifferent. In Recife, where the tradition of street carnivals has been preserved (in addition to the famous carnival that takes place 40 days before Easter), during the frevo carnival, huge crowds of people who come from all social classes gather to participate.

Frevo is full of surprises and improvisation. This dance allows the performer to use all his creativity, inventive spirit and skill. Also, this dance requires remarkable strength, endurance and flexibility. Movements in different types of frevo vary from the simplest to the most incredible, with elements of acrobatics. Sometimes the passistas perform such incredible stunts that you can't help but wonder if the bodies of the dancers obey the laws of physics. What is incredible, in the arsenal of frevo - up to 120 steps.

Many people believe that frevo music was born before the dance of the same name. In the middle of the nineteenth century, the Brazilian army regiments stationed in Recife began the tradition of holding parades during the carnival. These processions were characterized by a clear rhythm, energetic music and a fast dancing style. Since the carnival was originally associated with religion, the regimental "banda" military brass bands played mostly religious music, but the "banda" repertoire is traditional marches and polka. During the carnival, the "blocks" (a group of dancers lined up in a rectangle shape) competed against each other, and the orchestra played faster and faster, louder and louder. Within the framework of these “blocks”, just at that time, armed participants appeared who began to perform capoeira.

During the carnival, capoeirista fighters marched, as a rule, at the forefront of the "blocs". The purpose of such a formation was to intimidate rivals and protect the main attribute of the "block" - the flag. Presumably, it was then that the capoeiristas began to use the umbrella as an element of protection. There were frequent cases of clashes between "blocks" - competitors, after which many participants were injured or even died. To end the wave of violence, the police began to harass and arrest participants during the carnival. To resist police harassment, the men dressed in the stylized costumes of their clubs. Over time, capoeira movements and strikes, accompanied by march-style music, evolved into "passes" (as the basic frevo steps are called). And all the attributes of a martial dance with weapons turned into symbolic elements of frevo. Thus, the usually black parasol, shabby, torn off after numerous clashes with rival capoeiristas, became smaller and today is an ornament that emphasizes the dance and is one of the main symbols of the carnival in the state of Pernambuco.

Bossa nova

Bossa nova first sounded in small clubs and cafes overlooking the beach of Rio de Janeiro in 1958. In the birthplace of this dance, Brazil, the name "Bossa Nova" means "new wave" or "new direction".

Fashionable in the late 50s in Brazil, the word "bossa" meant approximately what the word "chip" means now - something special, unusual. And so this unusual style appeared, in which the sultry samba mixed with jazz, which was very popular at that time.

Bossa nova music was created by young Brazilian musicians who were trying to find something new in an old theme. Musicians Joao Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luis Bonfa are mentioned as creators of the new style. Several years passed, and in the early 60s, against the backdrop of the popularity of the melody, several attempts were made to make a dance to it. But, as practice showed, the music that enchanted the country was more suitable for listening than for dancing. Several versions of the dance that spontaneously arose by 1963, never became popular. A survey was conducted among young people in 1963, which showed that everyone liked the music, but almost no one accepted the dance. As this majority of people explained - "the dance was too fast for slow dances, and at the same time too slow for fast dances."

Bossa nova continued to be exclusively music until the popular musician Sasha Distel, who at that time was looking for new melodies for dancing, paid attention to her. The result was a dance that combined rumba, samba, merengue, mambo, conga and, surprisingly, twist. At one time, this pair dance was predicted to be the successor to the twist, but ... in the end, it never became popular. What is typical for bossa nova is that it is built mainly on improvisations. There are no strict rules in this dance, except for one - the partners must look into each other's eyes.

And Wikipedia

Brazilian dances are dominated by African and Portuguese cultural heritage. As in other Latin American countries where slave labor was used, plantations became the backbone of the colonial economy in Brazil.

Brazilian samba

Candomle religious dance

Capoeira

Carimbo and Lambada

Lundu

Samba Gafieira

Gafieira are dance halls that were frequented by the working class in Brazil in the past. Some gafieira have turned into clubs, which are now part of the excursion program in Rio de Janeiro.

Bossa nova

Bossa nova first sounded in small clubs and cafes overlooking the beach of Rio de Janeiro in 1958. In the birthplace of this dance, Brazil, the name "Bossa Nova" means "new wave" or "new direction".

Wikipedia

World of Brazilian Music - Pagode style

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Introducing the pagoda style to Brazilian music lovers. The word itself means a holiday for close friends, at home, in the garden, and the corresponding simple music, performed on a minimal set of instruments. The style came into greater life from the courtyards of the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro, and even one of the most famous groups of music in this style is called "Fundo de Quintal", or "In the depths of the garden."
One of the most popular pagoda-style works at present is the funny song "Black Caviar" by Zeke Pagodini. We listen and understand what he sings about, not without reproach to the Western world and indirectly to Russia in particular, which consumes this product, unprecedented in Brazil.

Black caviar

Você sabe o que é caviar? Do you know what black caviar is?
Nunca vi, nem comi Never seen or eaten
Eu só ouço falar I only heard people talk about her
Você sabe o que e caviar? Do you know what black caviar is?
NUNCA VI, NEM COMI never saw and did not eat
EU Suço Falar .

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