Ballet de Bahia

Balé Folclórico da Bahia (BFB), the only  professional folk dance company in Brazil, was formed in 1988 by Walson  Botelho and Ninho Reis and has achieved considerable success in its  short history. Under the artistic direction of José Carlos Arandiba, the  company’s many national and international tours have earned it a  prestigious reputation throughout the country and abroad that is  reflected in the response of the public and the critics.

The 38-member troupe of dancers, musicians, and singers performs a  repertory based on a “Bahian” folkloric dances of African origin and  includes slave dances, capoeira (a form of martial arts), samba, and  those that celebrate Carnival. The company presents the region’s most  important cultural manifestations under a contemporary theatrical vision  that reflects its popular origins.

Based in Salvador in the nothern state of Bahia, the Brazilian  company made its debut in July 1988, at the Joinville Dance Festival  where an audience of 20,000 enthusiastically greeted its performance  entitled “Bahia de Todas as Cores” (All Colors of Bahia). The troupe’s  immediate success brought invitations to perform at other festivals  around the country.

Source: Ballet de Bahia

More information: www.balefolcloricodabahia.com