How strong can a connection get? And what does such an “ultra-strong connection” look like?
When two objects become one, inseparable and virtually merging, the union is complete.
Another question: do you have it? Forro have you ever experienced in Brazil?
If so, then you have noticed that the Forrozeir @ s connection to Forró is very special. You don't even have to have been to Brazil for it, you can feel it even when you talk to a Brazilian about Forró.
There is this emotional, proud connection to the Forró. Many know the lyrics and sing along - that creates a great energy of identification. People who sing along are no longer just consumers of music, they are they become part of it. They feel so much love and identification for Forró that they merge with the music.
Forró and globalized culture
Since Forró to Europe Europeans have to contend with a fact: Forró is not part of their traditional culture and Portuguese is not their language (except for the Portuguese). However, music is one of the fundamental aspects of Forró (music, dance, party). Therefore, as European Forrozeir@s, we need to find another way to connect with Forró.
How can you, as a European, merge with this type of music?
First of all, I believe that 'singing' should be a much more part of Forró lessons, especially in countries where people don't speak Portuguese.
However, there is also a second way (maybe one or the other has already guessed it): listen carefully to the music and convert what you hear into dance movements. Someone who knows movement and dancing is Alonzo King. The ballet luminary says: "It is not so much you who are dancing, but rather the music that is dancing you.“You become one with the music through your movement.
Ok - it's a lot more fun and looks better when you dance musically, but what does it change for us Europeans specifically?
Forró is much more than 'just a dance'
Even so, in Europe it is usually considered a dance. This is partly due to the fact that it is difficult to identify with the other (more cultural) aspects here. When you (and your partner) merge with the music, it's no longer just about a dance. The music suddenly becomes much more important. It should be like that, because the music in the forró is essential.
There is a lot of show in dancing (Alonzo King calls it poses). Spectacular movements and lifting figures that draw a lot of attention. But what exactly does that have to do with Forró? Isn't that more like a fake smile in a photo?
Why are we not honest, dance what we feel and what Forró actually is? Steps and figures are great tools for expressing musicality. But the music should come first, not second. We shouldn't hide what sounds we like and what emotions we feel. Show them to the partner and hear what he / she expresses in return. This is what this dialogue is about! Why do we think so much about what others think? Should not we! If we don't do that, we will only really begin to live Forró.
Forrozeir @ s are more than just dancers
You don't need a lot of technology to apply this idea. A beautiful poem can consist of simple words. Do not get me wrong. Technique, movements and steps enrich your dance and increase your 'vocabulary' so that you can express yourself in more than one way. However, the magic arises between the lines. It's like Alonzo King it puts it: “If someone tells me they are a dancer, I tell them,“ No! Don't be a dancer, try to be a poet!“
Create, adapt, listen, develop, unite, change and interact with your partner and be inspired by music.
Remember: a poet is not born a poet. He has to learn a lot about the language and a lot more about the world (which inspires him).
So that we can express ourselves European Forrozeir @ s we need a dance technique. It is our language. But we shouldn't forget what our inspiration should be.
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