- Samba is what immediately comes to mind at the very mention of Brazilian dance. Some believe that samba was derived from the word ‘semba’, which signifies a navel bump in Kimbundo, the African Bantu language, and symbolizes the invitation to dance from a man to a woman. ‘Semba’ is also an infinitive of ‘kusamba’, which means ‘to pray’, or to appeal for the favor of the Gods or ancestors by singing and dancing. So, the dance was an indispensable part of the religious ceremonies.
- Jongo is an essentially rural cultural manifestation directly associated with the African culture in Brazil. The formation of samba carioca was heavily influenced by Jongo. Inserting itself within the so - called ‘dances of the belly strike’ (however being related to the ‘Semba’ or ‘Masemba’ of Angola), the Jongo was brought to Brazil by Bantus. These days, both men and women can participate in the Jongo, but this participation in its original form was very restricted to the initiated or the more experienced members.
- Capoeira is another important Afro - Brazilian dance, and believed to have evolved from martial arts. It was also created in Brazil by African slaves, mainly from Angola. However, there are lots of controversies regarding the origin of this dance. Some historians are of the opinion that it directly evolved from the African fighting style; while others think that it is a Brazilian dance having both Brazilian and African influences. Some experts suggested that the word ‘capoeira’ was derived from the word ‘capao’, which is a Portuguese word for castrated rooster. The dancing style is also similar to a fight between two roosters.
- Carimbo is the name of both the dance and the large drums that accompany it. In Tupi language, it means the drum. Carimbo is a folk dance of the Para state in Brazil, in which African, Portuguese and European influence can be noticed. It is a sensual dance, where the woman tries to cover the man with her skirt. Sometimes, the woman throws her handkerchief on the floor, which her male partner has to retrieve by using his mouth. With the influence of more modern rhythms, carimbo contributed to the development of another dance form ‘Lambada’. In Portuguese, lambada means ‘strong slap’ or ‘hit’. It may refer to the wave - like motion of a ship in Brazilian Portuguese language. The dance is also characterized by wave - like body movements of the dancers and became popular throughout the world in 1980s.
- Lundu is also a dance form brought by the African slaves, and it became very popular in Brazil during the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. The basic musical instruments involved are guitar, piano and drum. This dance also involves the use of handkerchief and castanets, an instrument consisting of a pair of hollow pieces of wood, or bone, and is held between the thumb and the fingers.
- 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.
- Batuque is the circle dance where Africans showed their culture – was the main trunk with respect to the formation of popular music Brazil with all its diversity and variations that have sprung up in urban and rural areas, under various names and styles themselves.
- Frevo: the word Frevo, derived from frever (boil) refers to the carnival and street dance hall, essentially rhythmic, in duple and progress faster than marching from Rio, and in which the dancers (dancers) perform individual choreography, improvisation and frenetic. It’s a Brazilian dance, originating in the Northeast.
- Coco: folk dance wheel northern and northeastern Brazil, originating Alagoas, accompanied by singing and percussion. Believed to have been born beaches, hence its name. The pace has undergone several changes with the appearance of the caatingas baião and harsh. As a composer who popularized the rhythm can cite Jackson do Pandeiro.
- Bumba Meu Boi is a Brazilian folk theatrical tradition – the tale told through the music, the costumes and drumming involves a Bull, which dies and is brought back to life. The actual tale told varies, but central characters include the Bull (a player in an elaborate costume), Catirina (an ugly pregnant girl – usually played by a man in drag), a cowboy who is in charge of the Bull and who causes the Bull to die, the priest, the rich and powerful owner of the bull, and the music (which magically Drums the Bull back to life). Festivals where groups all tell their versions of the Bumba Meu Boi tale can be found throughout Brazil. Bumba Meu Boi (“Hit My Bull”) or Boi Bumbá is a popular regional festival which takes place annually in North and Northeast Brazil although celebrations can be found throughout the country.
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.
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