Forró is the popular Brazilian music and dance, now very international, that shakes the hips and fills the dance floor, originating from the northeastern states of Brazil. Some forró fans say it is one of the easiest ballroom dances to master, which would explain why it is so addictive and increasingly popular.
If you enjoy this genre, you now have the opportunity to learn how to dance forró. A new class has just opened in New York. Taught by Alexandre Porcel, a master dancer from Rio de Janeiro, the classes will cover all styles of forró, from the most traditional to “Baião,” “xaxado,” and “forró universitário,” the most common style in the Southeast.
Forró encompasses not only various dance styles but also a range of different musical beats. The music is based on the combination of three instruments: the accordion, the zabumba (a type of bass drum), and a metal triangle. However, there are bands that use more instruments; nonetheless, these three are the most identified with the unique sound of forró.
Famous Brazilian music bands include “Forró Sacana,” “Bicho de Pé,” “Trio Forrozão,” “Falamansa,” and “Raiz do Sana.”
Alexandre Porcel is a professional dancer with over 12 years of teaching experience. He was one of the dancers in the Carlinhos de Jesus Dance Company, one of the most well-known popular dance schools in Rio. He also participated in the Brazilian version of “Dance with the Stars” in 2010, when he won, along with Fernanda Souza (photo), a Brazilian actress, first place in that year’s competition.
He will be in New York for the next six months teaching classes, workshops, and shows with the aim of promoting this typical Brazilian style in the capital of the world.
The classes will be held at Champions Studios, located at: 257 W 39th Street (between 7th & 8th Ave.), 14th floor, New York, NY 10018.
For more information, call Alexandre at (929) 325-5664.