“Quem dança é muito mais feliz” (The one who dances is much more happier)
People dancing forro in the Streets of Amsterdam
This is actually the biggest truth I have ever experienced in my life. However, I am not referring to any kind of dance, I am referring to a couple dance called Forró, which is intimately link to idea of happiness, good vibes and joy of sharing moments with others.
What is forró?
It is a Brazilian dance typical of the North-West Region of Brazil.
It is associated to various types of popular North-Western music such as baião, quadrilha, xaxado, which have Portuguese influences.
It is played traditionally by three people a "Sanfoneiro" (the person who plays the "sanfona" which is the accordion), a zabumbeiro (the person who plays “zabumba”, a type of bass drum).
The player wears the drum while standing up and uses both hands while playing) and a musician who plays a metallic triangle (triangulo).
The three instruments of Forro: "Zabumba", "Sanfona" and "Triangulo"
Where it comes from:
The term "forró" has not so clear origins; probably is the abbreviation of forrobodó, which was a variation of the ancient Galego-Portuguese forbodó, deriving from the French faux-bourdon. It means “great party" or "commotion". This word was carried by Portuguese migrating to Brazil.
However, in the popular etymology the word “forró” is associated to the English expression “for all”. For this version was invented a legend. At the beginning of the XX Century, British engineers which were working in Pernambuco (North –West Brazil) to build a railway line, were used to promote public open air dances, that were for all. It became “forró” pronounced for Brazilian people.
How it is danced:
Forró is danced in pairs, usually very close together, with the man's left hand holding the woman's right hand as in the Waltz, his right arm around her back and her left arm around his neck. However different rhythms are present in forró such as xote (a basic style, danced close together in a left-left-right-right movement, and has no spinning or variations;), baião (the original forró, like xote, but with the partners tilting to the sides and moving their legs less to follow the faster rhythm) xaxado and coco.
People dancing Forro
Also different styles are present, divided mainly in “forró nordestino” and “forró universitário”: forró nordestino is danced with more sensuality, as it requires more complicity between the couple. Because of the intimacy, there are not as many step variations in this style.
The forró universitário has much more figures and is the most taught in school dances. It is the most popular style outside the North-West, much like the xote, but with the partners moving forward and backward. It contains many variations of movements. The more common steps include:
· Dobradiça - the couple opens to the side;
· Caminhada - simple step of the couple to the front or the back;
· Comemoração - balancing step, with the man's leg between the ladies';
· Giros - a variety of turns, both simple and ones involving both dancers;
"Giro" in the Forro Universitario style
However what "means" forrò for the ones who dances it?
Forro is not a ballroom dance, but a street dance. Everyone can dance forró, at any age, and in their own way.
I would define Forró as that intimate moment that happens between two dancers and then just disappear. It a beautiful way form escaping from the world, forgetting who you are and all your problems. It is also the most beautiful way to share happiness and exchange energy to each others.
Due to the fact that is danced so close to the other partner and to the fact that the women only has to be lead by the men, it can be considered by someone both as be an invasion of its own space and as a dance where woman do not take decision.
Couple dancing intimately forro
Actually a woman should just close her eyes and enjoy the moment and the energy that can give it , without asking why. Indeed, Forró is both instinct and reliability in others.
I know it is difficult to rely on someone you do not know, but once you are there you have to play your cards and face the challenge.
As a woman I would suggest to take some few classes to learn the basics and then go every time you can to dance. This is one of the best way to ameliorate your techniques, the other one is going to international festival all over the Europe. There is at least once in a month in the most important cities in Europe.
What else I can say?
Enjoy the video and go to dance your nearest forró place:
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