Precinct Reporter Group, News for Orange County, Long Beach, San Bernardino

On Friday night at the beautiful Ford Amphitheater in Hollywood, an audience was treated to an evening of Afro-Brazilian dance, music, vocals and rich history, where Viver Brazil presented “Alaafia/Harmony.”  This engaging performance was the follow-up to Viver Brasil’s Lester Horton Dance Award-winning 2009 production of “Feet on the Ground/Aiyê,” recently recognized for Best Achievement in World Dance.

Under the direction of Linda Yudin and Luiz Badaró, Viver Brasil is rooted in the traditional and contemporary dance forms and techniques of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil and is dedicated to exploring and preserving the passion and theatricality of Afro-Brazilian dance. The company specializes in the Afro-Brazilian culture from the Northeastern region of Brazil (where the African presence is most prominent).

The choreography of internationally renowned choreographer Rosangela Silvestre, from Salvador, Brazil, ranged from traditional Afro Brazilian, capoiera and contemporary modern dance which contributed to an eclectic energetic presentation while still holding on to the integrity of the rich culture and history behind and within this concert. The rhythms and vocals of Viver Brazil were a significant contribution to the dance and entire evening, allowing the audience to take part through the infectious sounds.

“Alaafia/Harmony” featured six acclaimed Bahian guests who are visiting thanks to the support of the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations and the Consulate General of Brazil in Los Angeles: young virtuoso dancers Vera Passos (formerly of Balé Folclorico da Bahia), Nildinha Fonseca (currently of Balé Folclorico da Bahia), along with composer Jose Ricardo Sousa (musical director of Balé Folclorico da Bahia), and Vania Amaral (singer and Candomble’ devotee). Revered Candomble’ elders, Maria de Lourdes, Silvestre dos Santos (aka Iyalorixa Mainha da Bahia), and Nancy de Souza e Silva (aka Dona Cici) who also enhanced the performance with authentic movement and song drawn from their deep understanding of the spiritual foundation of contemporary Afro-Brazilian culture.

“Alaafia/Harmony” embodied the Yoruba concept of peace: totality of well-being, the fullness of life here and hereafter, the sum total of all that humankind may desire– harmony in life. The performance was based upon the complex stories of the orixas, Yoruba deities from the family of Obatala, the orixa of peace. Ideas informed by the afoxês (Afro-Bahian parading groups) were also part of the evening’s mix.

The second half of the night brought the audience to their feet in an atmosphere of carnival, vibrant colored costumes, and music of samba.

As the evening came to a close the audience was left on their feet applauding this well- deserving group of artists and elders and after that evening if you were not familiar with this Afro Brazilian rich culture and history, this presentation was an encouragement to learn.