Ballet folklorique de Bahia
Artistic direction: José Carlos Santos (Zebrinha)
Creation: 1988
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. Based in Salvador in the nothern state of Bahia, the Brazilian company made its debut in July 1988, at the Joinville Dance Festival. The troupe’s immediate success brought invitations to perform at other festivals around the country.
Balé Folclórico da Bahia made its European debut in 1992 when it participated in Berlin’s Alexander Platz International Festival and drew an audience of 50,000. It’s most prestigious international engagement to date has been a spectacularly successful appearance at the Biennale de la Danse, held in September, 1994, in Lyon, France. The troupe returned to the Lyon’s festival in 1996 and in 2000, as special guest to perform for the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Maison de la Danse Theatre. Since 1994, as a consequence of its success in Lyon, the troupe has traveled all over the world.
Source : Balé Folclórico da Bahia ‘s website
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