Samba in Amsterdam...How About Zouk

When you think of Amsterdam, samba probably isn't the first thing you think of. We were in the lovely city full of charming canals, "cafes" and bicycles...lots of bicycles! If you are looking for a place to samba, the classes are few and far between as Zouk is actually more popular. Zouk music and dancing originated with the Caribbean islands and while there is a Zouk brazilian style of dance, you will more often see french caribbean or lambada style being danced. The brazilian style of Zouk takes the brazilian steps you would see in Forro and combines it with the distinct hair swinging movements.

If you do find yourself in Amsterdam and wanting to lift yourself out of the "cafes", this site may help you find a close by location to get your groove on.

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Samba Sytle - Part 3: Forro

Forro is a partner dance, originating from the rural northeast of Brazil and the next style we want to personally learn! There are several styles of forro including Xote and Baião, which then have several sub-styles as new sounds of music are developed. Other latin dances like bolero, lambada, salsa, zouk etc. have similar movements so if you are familiar with these sytles, you will probably learn Forro quickly.

Forro is a dance that is truely created as a result of the folk sounding music; the traditional instruments played are the accordion, zabumba (drums) and a metal triangle. The internationalization of Forro began when Luiz Gonzaga's creative new melodies moved to Southern Brazil and became popular. Over time new sytles are created, however many of the original styles of Forro are still very important to people of northeast of Brazil as it is a connection to their culture. Today, the ecelectic sounds of Forro music are widespread and we can't wait to be part of the fun!

Guanabara in London does lessons during the week. We'll be sure to check it out. If you have suggestions of where we can dance Forro, let us know!

"Vira e Mexe" Luiz Gonzaga

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The Journal of Cultural Conversation Interviews Global Samba

An amazing friend who is the Publisher and Editor of The Journal of Cultural Conversation recently sat down with us at Global Samba to find out more about Brazilian culture, music and dance! You can read the interview here.

The Journal of Cultural Conversation is just that, a converstion about many aspects of culture, society and people. The content is eclectic and always entertaining. We love getting the latest stories & interviews and being involved with her community. Big thanks to The Journal of Cultural Conversation team!

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The Spirit of Brazil in London: Notting Hill Carnaval

This year the sprit of brazilian culture was threaded through the Notting Hill Carnaval with elaborate custumes, feathers everywhere and baterias fueling the sounds. The energy was electric and the sea of bright colors filled the streets. Massive sound systems are set up on 18 wheeler trucks with drummers and djs pumping out caribbean, calypso, reggae, brazilian music. We are still on a high from the live music!

After the parade we all went back to eat, dance and play more music (also called a pagode). The drummers sat in a circle and started freestyle playing and singing.
Bruno Ribas, the famous puxador (sama singer) in Rio and Mestre Esteves were still with us and lead the group for hours of what we think was the best part of the day.
Check out the street parade here:

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