Tag Archives: dance
Xaxado Posted by Rachel on Oct 26, 2012
Xaxado is a fascinating genre of dance that comes from the Northeast of Brazil, specifically from the sertão, or dry region, of Pernambuco state. Its origins date back to the early 1900s and the legendary outlaw Lampião. Dancers wear leather hats and rifles, and dress up in traditional costumes. Learn more from Info Escola: É…
Carimbó Posted by Rachel on Dec 14, 2010
One of the reasons I love learning about Brazil is that just when you think you know all about its culture, you’ll discover a new art or music or dance form that you never knew about. Today was one of those days, when I discovered carimbó. Carimbó is a type of Brazilian music and dance…
Carnaval! Posted by Rachel on Feb 12, 2010
Carnival celebrations are already in full swing and get into high gear this weekend. If like me, you can’t make it to the festivities, there’s plenty available online to experience Carnival from afar. Beija Flor’s 2010 Samba (reigning Rio champion) Bloco band in Rio Frevo classes in Recife Ivete Sangalo at Salvador’s Carnival last year
Favorite Brazilian Dance Posted by Rachel on Sep 23, 2009
For today’s interactive feature, the question is: what’s your favorite Brazilian dance? Personally, my favorite kind of dance to do is lambada, which is sometimes referred to as zouk. It’s a ton of fun to dance, though it takes a bit of practice, and is a great workout. I also really enjoy forró from Salvador…
Brazilian Dance: Chula Posted by Rachel on Jun 22, 2009
Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil’s southernmost state and one of the states most heavily populated by European descendants, has a number of traditional dances that come from several European traditions. One of these dances is called chula. Of Portuguese origin, this dance is done in male pairs by stomping and tapping in a sort of…
NGO Focus: Afro Reggae Posted by Rachel on Mar 17, 2009
Today we’re going to look at one of Rio de Janeiro’s most successful non-profit organizations. Afro Reggae started as a newspaper in the Vigario Geral favela in Rio, discussing Afro-Brazilian culture and music, like reggae and hip hop. The movement itself was inspired by a police massacre in the favela that left a group of…
Portuguese Video Learning Series: Capoeira Posted by Rachel on Mar 16, 2009
Today on the video learning series, we’re going to take a look at a type of Brazilian dance/martial art form called capoeira, which originated during the colonial period from the African slaves. This documentary originally aired on ESPN Brasil and discusses the development of the dance form, the music and instruments used to accompany the…