Brazilian Dancing Presented At St Rose School
Brazilian Dancing Presented At St Rose School
By Laurie Borst
On January 30, St Rose students were treated to a presentation of Ginga Brasiliera, a dance troupe that brings the history and culture of Brazil alive for audiences across America.
Fabiano Lucas, leader of the troupe and native of Brazil, narrated the dance performances of his assistants, Greg Dillon and Ariana Mador. Both are students studying Brazilian dance with Mr Lucas. Mr Dillon is from Fairfield and Ms Mador is from Hamden.
The first dance performed was the Maculele, an Afro Brazilian dance. The Africans brought to Brazil as slaves believed that after a long day of work, they could regain their energy through dance. With Mr Lucas keeping a strong drum beat and chanting, the dancers went through the high energy moves of the Maculele.
The dancers next performed the Capoeira. This dance is a combination of dance, music, gymnastics, and martial arts and was originated by 16th Century African slaves on sugar plantations. Local law decreed the Africans could not practice martial arts.
The dance arose as a way to practice self-defense without the overseers punishing the slaves. The slaves felt they needed a way to protect themselves and fight for freedom.
Tambourines kept the beat during this dance. Ms Mador played the berimbaus, an instrument that resembles a bow with the string taut. Attached to it is a hollow gourd that amplifies the sound.
Students delight was obvious as they watched the dancers move through flips and cartwheels and spins.
âNow remember, donât try this at home,â Mr Lucas cautioned. âWe have practiced with teachers and have soft mats. We practice a lot. You can learn with a teacher.â
Students learned about Carnival, the four-day celebration of life. Samba music is a big part of Carnival. The three performers played large drums and sang songs of the culture.
Fourth grader Kelly Skewis said it was a really exciting performance, funny too.
Fellow fourth grader Jordan Marussich said it was really cool. He hoped they could come back again.