Today we’re starting a new series about Brazilian dance forms.<\/p>\n
Forr\u00f3<\/strong> is a type of dance that originated in the Northeast of Brazil, and is also known as arrasta-p\u00e9<\/em>, bate-chinela<\/em>, fob\u00f3<\/em>, and forrobod\u00f3<\/em>. Danced to the music of the same name, the movements have a variety of influences: indigenous ritual dances, traditional Dutch and Portuguese rhythms, German folk dance, and African hip movements. The dance is frequently peformed at parties and festivals in the Northeast. It is the centerpiece of the S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o Festival in particular.<\/p>\n The origin of the name forr\u00f3<\/em> is disputed. Historians say that it comes from the Portuguese word forrobod\u00f3, <\/em>which means confusion and disorder. The popular version of the story says that the name came from the English engineers living in Pernambuco in the early 20th century. During that time, the English would give parties with banners stating the festivities were “for all,” and these English words morphed into the Portuguese word forr\u00f3.<\/p>\n Forr\u00f3 dance comes in two types: forr\u00f3 nordestino and forr\u00f3 universit\u00e1rio. Northern forr\u00f3 is more sensual, with a closer proximity between the partners and more body contact.\u00a0 University forr\u00f3 is more like salsa, with spins, quicker, larger movements, and constantly shifting proximity between the partners.<\/p>\n Check out forr\u00f3 in these two videos, here<\/a> and here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Today we’re starting a new series about Brazilian dance forms. Forr\u00f3 is a type of dance that originated in the Northeast of Brazil, and is also known as arrasta-p\u00e9, bate-chinela, fob\u00f3, and forrobod\u00f3. Danced to the music of the same name, the movements have a variety of influences: indigenous ritual dances, traditional Dutch and Portuguese…<\/p>\n