Samba classes help ‘gringos’ to step it up for Carnival
Published: 16 Feb. 2015, 19:40
But even foreigners visiting Brazil for Carnival celebrations can learn a few basic moves thanks to the patience of the dancing duo Nete Vieira and her husband, Naldi. They teach the basics of rhythmic bouncing, marching and arm waving that will help newcomers have fun and feel less intimidated.
“They look funny, yes,” Nete Vieira confesses about the students. “But what I like is how much interest and effort is shown on their part, a lot more than Brazilians. Some of them do get it by the end.”
On Sunday, 10 samba novices from Latin America and Europe watched Nete demonstrate master-level moves in a conference room at the Hotel Rio Othon Palace next to Copacabana Beach. Her feet seemed to be set on fast-forward motion as she shimmied over the wooden floors in black platform heels, her moves accentuated by a feather headpiece.
“It’s all about finding the right drum to follow. It’s hard to get into that beat,” she said.
A Spanish woman glided elegantly, more like Ginger Rogers than Carmen Miranda. Maybe she wasn’t ready to join one of the skilled dance troupes in the world-famous Sambadrome Parade, but she was having fun.
“I have been practicing yesterday and today, and I am enjoying every minute,” said 74-year-old Mariperta Martin of Granada. She was on her second day of the class called “Samba for Gringos,” using the term Brazilians affectionately use for most foreigners.
By halfway through the 40-minute class, many of the students were soaked, including Uruguay-born Roberto Birindelli, an actor who has a supporting role in “Imperio,” a Brazilian prime-time soap opera. “I heard samba for gringos and I said: I am in,” he said. “It’s a dream I have had for years.”
More than a dozen people peeked into the room, but none dared attempt to follow the extremely fast steps or muster the energy required to keep pace. A Japanese couple dressed for the beach in sun hats and shorts appeared to consider the challenge, but they slipped out and grabbed a nearby elevator instead.
For Venezuelan tourist Janet Buriel, 41, it’s all about trying, even if you fail.
“It’s my first time, and it’s very different than salsa,” she said. “If anything, it was good exercise.” AP
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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