Brazil’s premiere professional folk dance company, Balé Folclórico da Bahia (BFB), was officially welcomed to the region on Thursday by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter; Chief Cultural Officer, Gary Steuer; Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Stanley L. Straughter, chairman of the Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Affairs.
The Brazilian state of Bahia is said to be the most African part of Brazil, a place where otherwise long forgotten gods are still remembered.
The 38-member troupe of dancers, musicians and singers performs a repertory based on “Bahian” folkloric dances of African origin, and includes slave dances, capoeira (a form of martial arts), samba and those that celebrate Carnival.
The company presents the region’s most important cultural manifestations under a contemporary theatrical vision that reflects its popular origins. Balé Folclórico has a well-earned, prestigious reputation performing internationally throughout Europe, Asia and North America.
Over the course of their weeklong visit, from Feb. 7-11, Balé Folclórico will seek to establish relationships with key stakeholders within the region’s artistic, cultural, academic and philanthropic communities.
Over the course of their weeklong visit, from Feb. 7-11, Balé Folclórico will seek to establish relationships with key stakeholders within the region’s artistic, cultural, academic and philanthropic communities.
“This week here, I am sure we are going to be able to show the African root left by the slaves in Bahia centuries ago,” said BFB co-founder Walson Botelho.
Balé Folclórico will present several unique opportunities for Greater Philadelphia to learn more about its work and the Afro-Brazilian cultural traditions that inform the company’s repertoire.
There will be various activities, including private Afro-Brazilian dance and drum master classes at both University of the Arts and Temple University, capoeira presentations at the International Capoeira Angola Foundation, lecture-demonstrations at Imhotep Institute Charter School, public workshops at the Performance Garage, meetings and other social gatherings. Balé Folclórico is keen to explore potential future collaborative opportunities with Philadelphia’s arts and cultural community and academic institutions.
“Our young people, and those who are young at heart, are going to enjoy the performances and the engagement of having you here for a little while,” Nutter said.
