Brazil

Cirandas

This dance was choreographed by Lucia Cordeiro in 2012 to six folk songs sung by Mariene de Castro (CD “Santo de Casa”). It is a kind of children’s play, done in circles and representative of Brazilian dances danced all over the country. It is also a collective dance performed by people of all ages and can be danced for hours. There are many variations to it, including the basic step, which imitates the waves of the sea, and the stamping of feet in front, which recalls the movements of indigenous native dances.

Presented in 2013 by Lucia Cordeiro. View the pdf here.

E Vamos à Luta

This samba was choreographed by Lucia Cordeiro in 2010 to music by Gonzaguinha (CD “De Volta ao Começo”). The composer is the son of Luiz Gonzaga, a popular Brazilian composer of the last century. Born in the city of Rio de Janeiro, he wrote some of the best songs in the Brazilian repertoire. This is one of his classics. The title of the song and the dance literally means “We will fight” but might better be translated as “Let’s Go For It!” It honors the Brazilian youth that has faith and works hard, even under difficult conditions. It is a hymn to the Brazilian spirit of joy of living and hope.

Presented by Lucia Cordeiro in 2013. View pdf here.

Festa do Interior

This dance was choreographed by Lucia Cordeiro in 2013. The music was composed by Abel Silva and Moraes Moreira, and this recording features the singing of Gal Costa, considered to be one of the best voices in Brazilian music. The rhythm is frevo, a street dance very popular in the state of Pernambuco, in the northeastern part of Brazil. Frevo means “boiling” in Portuguese and refers to the fast, intricate steps performed by the dancers. The dance has its roots in the Capoeira playing in front of the military band parades in the past. Some people believe this dance form was influenced by Russian dancers in Recife, the capital of Pernambuco, during the past century, as you see in some acrobatic movements. In fact there are more than 100 different steps. It all depends on each dancer’s skill and creative improvisation.

Presented by Lucia Cordeiro in 2013. View pdf here.

Flor Amorosa

Flor Amorosa is a chorinho or blues song full of Brazilian emotion and wit. The choreographer is
Cristiana Menezes (2003).
Pronunciation:  flohr ah-moh-ROH-sah  Meaning: Flower of Affection
Music:  2/4 meter  Brazilian Soul , Track 5
Formation:  Dancers facing ctr of circle. Hands can remain free and moving freely, or may be joined in V-pos.

Presented by Lucia Cordeiro in 2012. View pdf here.

Ilumina

This dance was choreographed by Lucia Cordeiro in 2013 to a song by Noca da Portela, Tranka and Toninho do Nascimento from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The singer is Maria Bethania, a favorite Brazilian artists. The lyrics are a prayer to the Divine Lady.

Presented by Lucia Cordeiro in 2013. View pdf here.

Maracá de Lelê

This dance was choreographed by Lucia Cordeiro in 2008 to music by Edgar Morais (CD “Naçao Canta Pernambuco”). The rhythm and the song are referred to as maracatu and it belongs to the Carnival parade in the northeastern part of Brazil. The roots of the maracatu are the processions of African royalty brought to Brazil as slaves. It’s like a street opera, with many figures and characters. Above all, the Queen of Maracatu, who reigns and leads all the parade, moves with her dance.

Presented by Lucia Cordeiro in 2013. View pdf here.

 

Morena do Mar

This dance was choreographed by Lucia Cordeiro in 2007 to music by Dorival Caymmi (Bahia). The singer is Edil Pacheco. This is one of the classical pieces of “beach music” from Dorival Caymmi, a great Brazilian composer from the last century. It's a love song. This Afro-Brazilian rhythm is called afoxe and has a smooth, gentle beat that reproduces the ocean tides. The words refer to a man’s passion for a brunette. All the gifts he brings her are attributes of Yemanja, goddess of the sea.

Presented by Lucia Cordeiro in 2013. View pdf here.

Rancheira de Carreirinha

This is a traditional folk dance from Rio Grande do Sul, a southern state of Brazil. The music is from Barbosa Lessa’s CD “Danças Folcloricas Gauchas.” The dance shows Spanish influences from the border countries of Argentina and Uruguay and from the Polish mazurka brought by immigrants to Brazil. It is similar to a waltz, with the stress on the first beat. The lyrics are an invitation made by the gaucho to his gauchinha (lady) to dance the Rancheira in this specific way.

Presented by Lucia Cordeiro in 2013. View pdf here.

Você Endoideceu meu Coração

This dance was choreographed by Lucia Cordeiro in 2013. This is a forró, a very well-known type of music and a dance form that is popular all over Brazil. The steps are many. They can be sensuous and teasing, depending on the couple’s creativity. The music is by Nando Cordel, the singer is Fagner, and the title means “You made my heart go crazy.” The lyrics say: “You are like the spring water – clean, fresh, and tasty. Everybody wants to drink it.”

Presented by Lucia Cordeiro in 2013. View pdf here.

Xote das Meninas

The singer is Gilberto Gil and this Brazilian rhythm, Xote, has its roots in the Schottish step. The dance, choreographed by Lucia Cordeiro in 2004, is done to an irreverent song about teen girls longing for a boyfriend.

Presented by Lucia Cordeiro in 2012. View pdf here.