Diane de Beer
BASED on the life of Braz Dos Santos, Brazouka is a strange hybrid of storytelling illustrated by dance and sometimes they don’t sit that well together, but when you allow the Dos Santos story to wash over you and click into the amazing rhythms of the dance, it’s quite spectacular.
The most exciting aspect of the show is that it’s something fresh in the popular dance genre produc-tions as it introduces a new style of dance called lambazouk, which is a contemporary version of the early lambda, something we are familiar with.
Stephenson-Connolly, who first imagined the show, was also enchanted with other authentic Brazilian dances such as the samba de gafieira, described as a tango-esque romp of dance and orixa dances with intriguing movements associated with the deities of Candomblé, a religion that was brought to Brazil with the arrival of the African people. There’s also the bolero, the athletic frevo and the samba funkeado, and the list goes on.
With the Dos Santos story as the backdrop, dancers perform with an energy and athleticism that’s breathtaking and a sensuality that’s underlined throughout.
A detailed programme that gives the background of the show and how it all came together, the dances, the performers and Stephenson-Connolly’s involvement and determination to get this show on the road, contextualises the production. On stage, however, it’s the Dos Santos telling of the story and the dance that turns your head and your heart.
It’s an extraordinary display of dancing as this magnificent group of performers take you on a joyous excursion of Brazilian dance, their rhythms and the energy that all become a part of the total presentation.
“I no longer know where my body is,” writes Stephenson-Connolly after her first experience of participating in the dance. “But I know I’m not giddy. Though I’ve completed nearly 100 pirouettes since the dance began, I’m revitalised and ready for more.”
It has that effect on those of us watching. The dancing is marvellously expressive and intoxicating to watch because of the precision and artistry as well as the sheer enjoyment of the dancers. You know they’re having fun.
She describes the dancers as the best in the world in their particular dances, and it shows.
It’s glitzy and there’s lots of razzmatazz. You might be introduced to new dance styles, but it’s accessible and the approach is a hugely commercial one.
And when those gorgeous men walk on to the stage in their macho black jeans and T-shirts, in high heels, your heart simply melts.