12/02
Los Angeles, Dec. 14, 2002- Viver Brasil Dance and Music Programs will mark its fouth season providing a unique experience in Brazil with its program in Salvador, Bahia – the annual Bahia Folklorica: Roots of Afro-Brazilian Dance & Music, from August 2 to 18, 2003.
In the Northeast of Brazil, Salvador, Bahia is the center for traditional and contemporary Afro-Brazilian culture– famous for its Blocos Afros and Afoxés (Afro-Brazilian carnival groups) who fill the streets with thundering music and dance ensembles; its Candomblés and its Capoeira. Its Baianas, women of Bahian origin, have for centuries empowered themselves and their communities with resilience and profound wisdom. These artistic and religious groups are the foundation of an important social movement in Brazil, educating Brazilians and visitors about Bahia's African roots.
Viver Brasil Dance and Music Programs has designed an intensive 15 day trip, offering eight days of classes in Afro-Brazilian dance or percussion and song, for the dancer and musician interested in learning Bahia's powerful dance and music culture. The workshops will be taught by many of Bahia's top dance and music instructors: Gilmar Sampaio, Mestre King, one of Brazil's preeminent authorities on Afro-Brazilian dance and music; Rosangela Silvestre; Tania Bispo; Jose Ricardo Sousa; Luiz Badaró, Augusto Omolu, and other special guest instructors from religious houses, bands and dance companies.
The program is enhanced with visits to Candomblé ceremonies, concerts, festivals, day trips to Cachoeira to visit the Boa Morte Sisterhood and Saubara for a traditional samba party, day trip to the Island of Itaparica, and encounters with many of Bahia's most unique dancers, musicians, visual artists and culture makers.
Bahia Folklorica will be led by Viver Brasil Dance and Music Programs directors, Linda Yudin and Luiz Badaró and Rosangela Silvestre. Paula Santos will be our tour guide. Dedicated to facilitating study at the source and providing an intensive learning experience, Viver Brasil looks forward to its programs in Bahia, Brazil.
Linda Yudin is a Los Angeles based dance ethnologist with sixteen years experience studying and working in Bahia. She has developed a deep professional and personal involvement with its arts and spiritual community.
Luiz Badaró is a master dancer, choreographer, and percussionist and a native of Salvador, Bahia with a profound commitment to sharing his cultural traditions.
Rosangela Silvestre is a master dancer and choreographer who has developed the Silvestre Technique. She was born in Salvador, Bahia and divides her time between teaching throughout the world and Brazil. She too is profoundly committed to sharing her cultural perspectives of her native Bahia with VBDMP.
Registration Information
Bahia Folklorica: Roots of Afro-Brazilian Dance and Music brochure and registration form will be available through Viver Brasil Dance and Music Programs on February 15, 2003. VBDMP's package, include travel from your departing city to Brazil, airport transfer, all course-related activities and events, translators, double occupancy accommodations (upon availability) and breakfast. The package cost is: Bahia Folklorica–$2695. Hotel single supplements and suites are available for an additional cost.
Viver Brasil Dance and Music Programs is sponsored in part by Cheviot Hills Travel.
For more information and to receive brochures,contact Viver Brasil Dance and Music Programs director, Linda Yudin by e-mail: lkyudin@aol.com and visit the website at www.viverbrasil.com Brochures are not available on the website.
