Brazilian dance carnival tours here

Brazilian dance carnival tours here

JAKARTA (JP): Bengkel Nightpark in Central Jakarta will host a
carnival of Latin rhythms, dance-fighting and amazing gymnastics
by the colorfully clad Brazilian group Joao Barro on Friday
night. The music and dance company is the star attraction at the
first of four Longbeach Hot Salsa Parties being held across Java
throughout September.

Joao de Barro's energetic fusion of circus-like activities and
Latin beats was on show at a media conference on Wednesday in the
ballroom of Dharmawangsa Hotel in South Jakarta. To demonstrate
what party guests can expect, the band performed a selection of
Latin songs and dance routines.

The crowd was visibly impressed with the group's Capoeira
performance; a fast and athletic martial arts-based Brazilian
dance form. Culturally unique, the dance uses the beauty and
efficiency of animal movements in combat, including spinning
kicks and hand stands. Press conference attendees were treated to
spectacular tumbling gymnastic combinations of backflips, aerial
somersaults and twists.

The rhythmic and historical roots of the Joao de Barro group
and similar Afro-Brazilian performers were brought to Brazil by
African slaves in 1953. Capoeira developed as a dramatized
fighting form tolerated by guards at the time. Today it is both a
respected martial arts technique and a cultural jewel of Brazil.

Joao de Barro's primary musical focus is Latin salsa, a
popular style of music in both Spain and South America. A strong
Afro-Brazilian rhythm differentiates between the two, says
Brazilian cultural attache Jose Joacir dos Santos. "Spanish salsa
is different from Brazilian. Brazilian has more percussion. It
has the hot African taste."

The 18-member group is composed of seven dancers. Its
musicians play a variety of percussion, brass and stringed
instruments -- including a special bow-like stringed instrument
called the Berimbau, typically used to accompany the Capoeira.

Joao de Barro's Indonesian tour is a blend of art performance
and cultural exchange, involving the Brazilian Embassy and
sponsored by PT Philip Morris Indonesia.

Speaking at the conference was Brazilian Ambassador to
Indonesia Jadiel Ferreira de Oliveira, who emphasized the
cultural aspects of the tour. "The performance of Joao de Barro
is the beginning of a Brazilian cultural program, which is aimed
at strengthening ties with Indonesia."

The two countries have a shared mixed cultural heritage said
the ambassador, who stressed the potential for a "successful
partnership".

Continuing this theme, Santos said Brazil was a diverse
country like Indonesia, home to various cultures and races living
together. The Brazilian music reflects this in its fusion of
"African percussion and Asian-influenced instruments", he said.

The philosophy of the carnival-like Brazilian performance
focuses on the importance of having "fun together without
discrimination", added Santos.

The Joao de Barro group has performed throughout Brazil, in
Europe and has twice visited Singapore. It was established in
1983 by Edovaldo Matias after studying under Master Bimba, one of
Brazil's most respected Capoeira masters. Popular in Brazil, the
group has been recognized as the best Afro-Brazilian folklore
dance group.

"In Brazil, there is a beautiful bird that sings all day
long," which was the inspiration for the group's name, explained
Santos. "Joao is like John," he said, and de Barro is from the
bird.

The arrival of the South Americans in Indonesia is timely amid
the Latin music craze currently sweeping Asia, led by recent MTV
multiaward winner Ricky Martin. Bandung, Medan and Surabaya will
also play host to the Longbeach Hot Salsa Party on Sept. 18,
Sept. 24 and Sept. 25, respectively.

In addition, guests will be entertained with games, a summer
fashion show and local bands, such as the reggae favorite
Rastafara tonight in Jakarta and WachDach in Bandung.

"The music is not going to stop. You have to dance. You cannot
watch. Be prepared," said Santos about Joao de Barro. So if an
extravaganza of rhythm and dance -- and a cultural exchange --
sounds like an experience not to miss, dance on down to the hot
Salsa party. (Jules Bell)