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The Africans who were abducted into slavery during colonial times brought their dances and music from home with them to Brazil. In captivity the possibility for them to continue practicing their traditions was extremely limited. Step by step they managed to celebrate their own traditions in an attempt to keep in tune with themselves and nature. Originating from different ethnic groups, they developed, with time, new forms in which the tradition was practiced. At the same time nature and earth-related elements from the native Indian culture were integrated. This mixing of various tribes of peoples under the influence of Portuguese rule created the Afro-Brazilian culture of Brazil.
Afro-Brazilian dance embodies one part of this culture. Here, the energetic expression of the dancer´s body is conveyed in spontaneous movements. The dancer perceives his/her surroundings sensually, through seeing, hearing and feeling. This power enables him/her to learn about his/her own body and the movements traditionally handed down along with the history of the ancestors.
These movements are inspired by sounds originating in the atmosphere of the plant and animal world.
The metaphysical development of human existence is represented in symbols. These rites and their spirituality are being practiced today and are a definite component of Brazil´s cultural life, especially in the state of Bahia.
Traditional rites, however, cannot only be recognized in religious ceremonies: ethnic dance elements can also be seen on the streets where people dance to popular music. Rhythms and body language are mixed and modified with modern styles like hiphop, jazz or break dance. Their vitality, the powerful
yet ethereal expression remain however, unmistakeable, and fascinating in their charm.
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