Rhythm, Dance, & Movement in the Favelas
Devonte West
Today we are visiting a project in the favelas. I’m excited because our tour guide will be with us. His name is Gabriel. From the moment we arrived in Rio. I’ve felt this sense of love and sweetness. Rio de Janeiro is gorgeous! Our hotel is right off the beach. We’re staying in Copacabana. Gabriel said on the ride to our hotel that many summer concerts happen in Copacabana and it’s free. Wow! I’d assume Rio has a huge appreciation for music.
This year's headliner at Copacabana was Lady Gaga. Rumor has it, Beyoncé might be next year's guest. I love Beyoncé Giselle Carter! So, I guess I’ll start planning my return for next year's concert.
Gabriel’s sense of humor is breathtaking… I’m not sure why I find his jokes to be like a big brother. He reminds me of my favorite cousins. As we leave our hotel to walk to the favela, we pass a group of students and hotel workers. The sun is out and the weather is perfect. Our walk is about twenty minutes, so my cohort and I are chatting, taking advantage of the fresh air. We pass by what seems to be a hotel, a few workers are young men and they’re smiling at our group saying, “good morning”. It makes me smile because I believe they can observe we’re foreigners. But still remain respectful. That’s the beauty of Brazil. It feels like a common aura of kindness.
As we enter the favela. Gabriel tells us about this area, and how it has been a government project. In the past, it was a huge site to see because it’s walkable to Copacabana. This favela could potentially be an expensive area for potential buyers. He tells us the history of the favela, and how the government has helped build infrastructure to support its residents.
As we are about to enter an elevator to tour the favela, an older woman stops us and stares, she then asks me if I am Brazilian. I laugh and say “I wish” she smiles. Asking us where we are from and if it’s our first time traveling.
The elevator is clean and there is a young lady greeting us and pressing the floor on which we should land. When we enter the favela, I witness construction going on. He then tells us how there’s potential for business. On the floor we enter there’s community bathrooms, and what seems to be a social service office. In the favelas there’s two sides. One side has a pool and it's accessible to residents. It’s beautiful and clean.
On the other side is where Gabriel takes us to meet Patota do Galo, a project that trains students to learn music, and the director, Adailton Carvalho, specializes in percussion. They are so welcoming and nice to our group. There are flags from around the world.
The master on the left side leads the group, and the students perform for us. They’re very musically talented. I loved how involved they were. Miguel is to the right of me with a cap on. The young ladies and young men are super supportive of us as they allow our group to perform on the drums with them.
Seeing and connecting with brown faces lifts my spirit. It feels like community, and acceptance.
From the presentation we learn the history of Samba and how its genre influences Brazilian music. The instructor is very approachable and adamant about us learning this historical contribution of this project in the favelas.According to their social media account https://www.instagram.com/patota_do_galo/ This band works with rhythm, dance, and movement. They’ve participated in carnivals which are huge in Brazil. Adailton Carvalho is the master of percussion.
I enjoyed my time watching the students perform. Check out the video below!
