Agenda

Agenda

Workshop descriptions

 Mauricio Baptista: Exploring “Back to Back” moves and variations

In this workshop, we will explore variations of the back-to-back movement, varying the number of steps and the ways of leading and following.

Prerequisite for participation: basic steps

Eric Frata & Sheila Fleury : Connection possibilities

Experimenting and developing different ways of connecting with your partner and the music.

Ju Weiss:  Forró - Dance and Play

In this workshop we’ll explore the elements of improvisation to use in dance. We will focus on spatial levels, repetition, speed, among other elements. Through breaking down basic steps, we will explore creative movements that stem from each body's repertoire and background. This work aims to enhance the mastery of foundational elements and their relationship with rhythm, providing freedom of movement and space to play with the body, music, and your partner during a dance. 

Prerequisite for participation: basic steps and basic figures of forró.

Gabriel da Rocha : Torso movements and dissociation

The focus of this workshop is to explore the dissociation of movements in the torso, hips, and shoulders, increasing body awareness to make your dance more fluid and musical. We will take the time to understand the various movements that can be performed with our bodies, how to integrate them into dance and music, and how to execute them organically and comfortably with our partner. There are no prerequisites for participation. The class can be done standing, either wearing shoes or barefoot, whichever your preference! 

Rafael Piccolotto: Music Bars & Strong Beats

Dive into the rhythm and soul of forró music in this engaging workshop focused on music bars and strong beats. Students will learn to identify the structure of music bars, a fundamental aspect of forró, and understand how these elements guide the dance. By recognizing strong beats and their placement within bars, participants will enhance their ability to synchronize their movements with the music, creating a more harmonious and expressive dance experience. This workshop will equip dancers with the tools to make intentional choices in their dance, elevating their connection to the music and their partners.

Pré-requisites for the class : basic steps and basic figures.

Mauricio Baptista: Sequence to explore traveling

In this workshop, we will work on breaking the rigid pattern of steps to facilitate movement in different directions. We will use a complex sequence of movements to explore movement across the dance floor. There are no specific prerequisites, but the workshop is not recommended for beginners since the movements will be somewhat more complex.

Lu Horta & Loco Sosa: Rhythms and Melodies - Singing and percussions workshops (1 & 2)

This course aims to stimulate possibilities for musical expression and creation using singing and percussion. The richness of body sounds and the manipulation of Brazilian percussion instruments such as the zabumba, triangle, and ganzá will be experienced through the exploration of melodic and rhythmic gestures. Rhythmic and vocal activities help balance metabolism, harmonize breathing, and improve concentration. It's an opportunity to develop musicality through Brazilian rhythms.

Topics and workshop plan:

1. Coordination and independence

2. Exploration of body sounds and rhythmic assembly associated with instruments

3. Improvisation games integrating voice sounds and percussion

4. Repertoire of 2 songs combining singing and percussion

There are no prerequisites for participation.

NOTE: We suggest wearing comfortable clothing, with a t-shirt (to protect the chest) for body percussion, and recommend avoiding rings and necklaces.

Sheila Fleury: Lady Style - Open position variations

Developing variations of “pisada”, tempo and movements with autonomy in partner dance

Eric Frata & Sheila Fleury: Xique-Xique

Incorporating hip movements into your repertoire.

Mauricio Baptista: How to lead and follow multiple turns

In this workshop, we will understand what is involved in precise and effective leading of spins in forró. We will explore repeated spins using two types of simple movements.

Prerequisite for participation: basic steps.

Rafael Piccolotto: Musicality & Dance Phrases

Description: Unlock the art of musical interpretation in forró dancing with a workshop on musicality and dance phrases. Students will delve into the concept of music phrases, learning to identify and interpret these sequences within the music. This knowledge will enable dancers to align their movements with the natural flow of the song, enhancing their dance expression and storytelling. Through practical exercises and guided practice, participants will develop a deeper connection to the music, allowing for more dynamic and fluid dance phrases that resonate with the songs.

Pre-requisites : basic steps and basic figures.