The Performing Company
Fogo Na Roupa
boasts some of the most exciting performances of
Brazilian dance and music culture. With strong African, Latin, and Caribbean
influences, Fogo is an exciting company of artists from varied cultural backgrounds
and extensive professional experience. Company members are trained in Brazilian dance,
music and song, with yearly travel study tours to the various regions of Brazil. 
The performing company
members have been involved in the creation and presentation of a wide range of
productions, including shows, workshops, demonstrations and theater pieces.
Bahia is Brazil's most historic state; the birthplace of
samba, capoeira (a Brazilian martial art) and the home of premiere Bloco Afro
groups, Ile Aiyê, Olodum, and Timbalada. Since 1992, Fogo Na Roupa has participated in intercultural exchanges
with each of these groups, during their U.S. tours and during Carnaval season in Bahia.
Principal dancers in the company have taken class
instruction
from some of Bahia's pioneers and leaders in contemporary Afro- Brazilian dance: Mestre
King, Rosangela Silvestre (NY), Betho Filho (Europe) and the Ballet Folklorico da
Bahia. Musical workshops and instruction with Mestre Jorge Alabê, Ballet Folklorico
Musical Director José Ricardo, Carlinhos Brown and Neguinho do Samba of Olodum have
provided advanced training for the company musicians.
With continued inspiration from Bahia and beyond, Fogo Na
Roupa has developed its 
own style of bloco dance and music coined "Fogolystic". Encompassing rhythmic Latin drum
patterns layered with strong African based 
compositions
and contemporary Hip-Hop funk,
Capoeira is the "art of
survival". This art form is unique to Brazil
through early African influences, developed by slaves as a form of self defense.
Disguised as a dance form, the strong physical activity of kicks, flips and punches is
shrouded in "play" (jogo capoeira). The related Maculele
is danced with sticks or machetes.
Rio's Carnaval, is a showcase for Samba, Brazil's most widely known dance. Fogo Na Roupa drives the samba beat to a feverish
pitch, and heats up audiences with the fiery mexe-mexe (hip-shaking motion) of Rio
dance styles, with beautifully feathered and sequined costumes that dazzle the eyes.
Brazilian
dance, from the sizzle of samba to the gravity defying capoeira, from the serene dances of
the deities to the irresistible dances of the streets, Fogo
Na Roupa will bring you to your feet with non-stop energy and excitement!
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