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)