Brazil is truly the land of music and dance, where this cultural essence permeates every corner of the streets and the hearts of its people. If you take the time to explore this country, you will find that music and traditional dances are ingrained in the hearts and souls of the Brazilian people.
While Samba is one of the most famous traditional dances and has become a national symbol, Brazil has many other dances that are lesser-known. These dances combine flexibility, agility, and the rich and unique cultural essence of this country.
Below is a list of 10 traditional Brazilian dances, each with its own story and cultural value, worth discovering and experiencing:
1. SAMBA
Samba, the cultural icon of Brazil, is an essential starting point when discussing the traditional dances of this country. Samba is a renowned genre of music and dance in Brazil, characterized by fast-paced footwork and graceful hip movements. When the steel drums ignite the rhythm, one feels captivated by a magical space. Its roots can be traced back to the West African coast and were brought to Brazil during the era of slavery. Samba is a music and dance genre that Rio de Janeiro is deeply connected to with profound affection.
Modern samba emerged in the early 20th century in Rio de Janeiro. The term "samba" encompasses various rhythms, melodies, drum beats, and dance styles from different periods and regions across Brazilian territory. In the native language, samba means a circular dance for commemorative celebrations such as Catholic holidays, religious ceremonies of Native Americans, or Afro-Brazilian rituals. Some believe that samba originates from "semba," meaning a naval collision in the Kimbundu language, a Bantu language, symbolizing an invitation to dance from a man to a woman. Semba is also a primitive form of "kusamba," meaning prayer or invoking the favor of deities or ancestors through singing and dancing. Therefore, dance is an integral part of religious ceremonies.
2. JONGO
Jongo is one of the distinctive traditional dances of Brazil. Considered a part of Afro-Brazilian culture, Jongo originated during the era of slavery and became a symbol of freedom and resistance.
Jongo, also known as caxambu, was brought to Brazil during the period of slavery and has its roots in Angola. It is a dance closely related to samba and is often considered an ancient form of it. When performing Jongo, the dance steps are often repetitive, creating a vibrant and lively performance. The group of people typically sings together and plays simple musical instruments. Jongo is sometimes also associated with Umbanda, a religion of African origin.
Jongo has a strong connection to African culture in Brazil. The birth of Samba Carioca was heavily influenced by Jongo, which was brought to Brazil by Bantu people. Jongo may have originated from a traditional guessing game of the Angolan people, known as Jinongonongo.
Jongo is performed through a series of dance movements and group circles, often done around a circular object such as a piece of grass or a fire. This dance expresses community bonding and a love for nature, accompanied by music played on traditional instruments such as cavaquinho, pandeiro, and berimbau.
Jongo is not only a dance but also a means of conveying social and cultural messages. It tells the history and traditions of Afro-Brazilian people while expressing their resilience and pride in their daily lives.
3. CAPOEIRA
Capoeira is another significant dance of Afro-Brazilian origin and is believed to have evolved from martial arts. It was also created in Brazil by African slaves, primarily from Angola. Some experts believe that the term "capoeira" derives from "capao," a Portuguese word meaning "castrated rooster." The dance style also resembles the fight between two roosters. Alternatively, Capoeira may have taken its name from Bangu Kikongo, from "kipura," describing the movement of a rooster during combat. Despite significant differences in opinions regarding the dance's origins and nomenclature, the dance movements bear a close resemblance to martial arts combat actions such as kicks, sweeps, punches, and headbutts. Participants typically form a circle, taking turns playing musical instruments, singing, or performing combat actions in the center.
Participants in capoeira are called "capoeiristas," and they showcase confrontational movements, evasions, and leaps over each other in a circle called a "roda." Meanwhile, instruments like the berimbau, pandeiro, and atabaque provide the rhythm and create a lively atmosphere for capoeira.
4. CARIMBO
Carimbo is a folk dance from the states of Pará and Amazonas in Brazil, where influences from Africa, Portugal, and Europe can be observed. The main musical instrument in Carimbo is the "curimbó," a large wooden drum played by hand, producing powerful sounds.
Carimbo is a sensual dance in which women try to cover themselves with their skirts to entice men. Sometimes, a woman throws her handkerchief onto the dance floor, and her male partner must retrieve it using only his mouth. With the influence of more modern rhythms, Carimbo has contributed to the development of another dance style called Lambada. In Portuguese, "lambada" means "strong slap" or "blow." It can refer to the motion of a ship's wave in the Brazilian Portuguese context. The dance is also characterized by body movements resembling the waves of the dancers and gained popularity worldwide in the 1980s.
5. FORRÓ
Forró is one of the famous traditional dances of Brazil, particularly popular in the Northeast and Central regions of the country. It is considered an icon of folk culture, combining music, dance, and love for the country.
Forró originates from the term "forrobodo," which means "a great party." It has its roots in the rural communities and villages of northern and Northeastern Brazil. This dance is performed in pairs, with lively dance steps and intimate communication between the male and female dancers. Forró music includes traditional instruments such as the accordion, zabumba (a double-faced drum), and triângulo (a triangle-shaped percussion instrument), creating a vibrant and joyful sound. There are various regional variations in the Forró dance style across different areas of Brazil. It is danced with partners performing intricate steps.
6. XOTE
Xote is a popular Forró dance style in Brazil, performed by couples or groups of four people. It originates in the eastern lowlands and central regions of Brazil, particularly in states like Pernambuco and Paraba.
Xote is also considered a variation of Schottische, a dance originating in Scotland. Schottische was brought to Brazil in 1851 and became popular among the upper class. Later, African slaves added their own elements and influences, turning it into a more popular and renowned dance.
Xote has a relaxed and romantic dance style. It is typically performed by couples, with simple yet smooth and fluid dance steps. The main musical instrument in Xote is the accordion, along with other instruments such as the zabumba and triângulo, creating a gentle and charming rhythmic music.
7. XAXADO
Xaxado is one of the unique and lively traditional dances of Brazil, particularly famous in the northeastern regions of the country, such as Pernambuco and Alagoas. This dance originates from rural farming communities in Brazil, often practiced to commemorate victories in battle; it is also performed as a traditional dance by the local population. The name "xaxado" comes from the sound of sandals hitting the ground when dancing on sand.
Xaxado is performed by couples, with powerful and energetic dance steps. It often combines dance movements, choreography, and acting, creating a dynamic and vibrant performance. Traditional musical instruments such as accordion, tambourine, and triângulo are typically involved, creating a harmonious and captivating music.
Xaxado often portrays folk tales and cultural traditions of the Brazilian people, particularly the lives and battles of the cangaceiros - adventurers and outlaws in the rural areas. This dance expresses the courage, freedom, and spirit of resistance of these individuals.
8. CIRANDA
Ciranda is a dance and singing tradition performed by the wives of fishermen in Brazil to pray for the safety and success of their husbands at sea. It begins with a small circle and expands as more people join. There are no strict rules regarding the number of participants, anyone who wishes to can join the circle.
Ciranda consists of three main steps: "onda" (wave), "o sacudidinho" (small shake), and "o machucadinho" (small crush). Participants move to the rhythm of slow and repetitive music. If someone needs to leave the circle, they can do so naturally, without any special announcement or ceremony.
If the circle becomes too large and difficult to move, a smaller circle will be created at the center of the original circle. The main goal of Ciranda is to create joy and happiness for all participants. It has no limits on the number of participants and embodies the spirit of gathering, bonding, and harmony within the community.
Ciranda is a cultural icon of Brazil and carries simple values, love, and hope. It is a way for people to connect, have fun, and share joy in a space filled with music and togetherness.
9. MACULELE
Maculele is a traditional dance and artistic form unique to Brazil. It originated from the Afro-Brazilian community and has been passed down through generations. Maculele combines both music and dance movements to create a dynamic and powerful performance.
The Maculele dance is typically performed by a group of individuals, each holding a wooden stick called "grimachê" in their hands. With the rhythm of the music, the performers move back and forth, clashing their sticks together to create a distinctive sound. Quick and agile footwork, combined with sharp dance movements, deliver a strong and vibrant energy.
Maculele is not only a traditional dance but also carries significance in terms of unity and social interaction. It showcases pride in the African heritage of the Brazilian people and serves as a symbol of resistance against oppression and the improvement of life.
10. LUNDU
Lundu is a traditional dance and musical genre of Brazil with roots in Africa. It was brought to Brazil by African slaves during the colonial period and has become an integral part of Brazilian culture.
Lundu features lively rhythms and quick dance steps. It combines elements of African and Latin American music, creating a unique blend. Instruments such as tamborim, berimbau, pandeiro, and cavaquinho are commonly used to produce the distinctive sound of Lundu.
The dance movements in Lundu are flexible and vibrant. The dancers' steps and gestures often sync with the rhythmic and playful interaction between couples or groups.
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