With effortless precision, DanceBrazil captivated the audience with its storytelling in Lee Hall Saturday night.
Dancers used a fusion of Afro-Brazilian movement, contemporary dance and capoeira to paint a beautiful picture inspired by the cultural tapestry of Brazil.
“I loved the performance; at one point it seemed like a love story,” said Aisha McKenzie, 19, a second-year business student from Brooklyn.
The event was part of Florida A&M’s Lyceum series, which was reintroduced this year. Other events included “Crowns” and Wynton Marsalis along with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
In 1977, DanceBrazil began in New York City. The group evolved from grass-roots workshops at Clark Center for the Arts taught by Jelon Vieira.
The late Alvin Ailey joined the board of directors in 1980 and helped broaden the dance company’s focus to North America. For more than 30 years, the ensemble has wowed audiences with its graceful techniques and beautiful interpretation of cultural dance.
Akinlanaa Lowman, 24, a master of capoeira at Prophecy School of the Arts in Tallahassee, said it was a treat to have DanceBrazil come to Tallahassee, and the exposure to another culture is priceless.
“The show was amazing; it was really innovative how they put in together,” said Lowman. “Hopefully, this will spark more of a cultural interest in the students.”
Capoeira is a Brazilian art form, which combines rhythm, dance and movement, according to princeton.edu.
During intermission, the audience raved about the performance while waiting for the second act.
“The show was so beautiful it was so nice to see contemporary dance with capoeira,” said Ansley Jones 23, who earned her master’s in American dance studies from Florida State University. “It was really interesting to see their movements.”
For more information on capoeira class call 850.980.2627. Located on 1369 East Lafayette Terrace Tuesdays 8-10p.m. and Saturdays 4-6p.m.