Brazilian dances, their history and traditions

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Brazil is a country of contrasts, in which the culture and traditions of various peoples are mixed. Brazil is also the birthplace of carnival, the realm of incendiary rhythms. The annual festival that takes place in Rio clearly confirms what has been said. Brazil is an amazing and unique state.

It was a Portuguese colony from 1500 to 1822. African slaves were brought here from Angola. Once in Brazil, the African slaves did not convert to Christianity. They remained adherents of their religion and their traditions. They managed to keep the secret rhythms of samba. They combined it with other musical forms. As a result, new Brazilian dances and new musical genres have emerged over time.

In 1888, samba schools appeared. At first, upper-class Brazilians considered the samba an inappropriate and obscene dance. In 1917, she was presented to the public at the carnival. In the 1920s the dance grew in popularity and eventually gained international recognition as both a musical genre and a form (class) of dance.

Now let's take a look at the Brazilian dances below.

Samba is a carnival dance that was invented in Rio in the early 20th century. African and European rhythms merged in her music. The dance moves are mostly African. But they are heavily modified on Brazilian soil. You can dance samba without leaving your seat. Women can perform it on a platform or with heels.

Maracatu is a traditional dance that originated from the state of Pernambuco in northeastern Brazil. It refers to dances of African origin, which are accompanied by drums and noise instruments. It is performed barefoot or in sandals, accompanied by drums beating a special rhythm - maracatu.

Brazilian dances under the general name "samba-reggae" appeared in the 70s of the twentieth century in the state of Bahia, which is located in the north-east of Brazil. The music of this dance mixes Cuban rhythms, reggae and Brazilian samba. Dance elements are borrowed from the religious Afro-Brazilian ceremonies. This is a group dance that is the main dance of the carnival in El Salvador.

Samba di Roda is a Brazilian girl's dance that has long become a tradition in this country. Its essence lies in the fact that the technical part is performed by only one soloist. The rest of the carnival participants stand in a circle, as if on purpose, paying attention to the main dancer.

Brazilian dancing is unimaginable without Carimbo. In this action, which has long been recognized as popular, there are notonly Portuguese, but also Spanish, as well as African motifs. This is a sensual dance in which the woman tries to wrap her skirt around the man. Sometimes a woman drops her handkerchief on the floor and her partner has to mouth it out.

Influenced by more modern rhythms, a new dance has appeared - Lambada. It is like a wave that is created by the movements of the dancers' bodies.

Lundu or Lundum is a dance brought by African slaves. The main musical accompaniment for him is the guitar, piano and drum. This dance also uses a handkerchief, castanets and bones supported by fingers.

Brazilian dances are the most popular around the world. They are an indispensable part of Latin American culture.