After an intensive year, the 21st of December was the last day of activity at the ICBIE center. To properly celebrate the day, the group from the Afro-Dance course put on a splendid show for the public. At the same time, the kids from the Little Company of Theater and Music had a party for the end of their course, to show their appreciation to David, who is returning to France, and to exchange Christmas gifts.
The members of the dance group, Rodiana, Tainara, Raquel, Rafaela, Carol and Nana, led by Emerson Ataide, appeared before ICBIE’s friends and the public in a suggestive scene. The central room at the entrance was prepared with elements inspired by Brazilian traditions, such as capoeira, candomblè, Afro-dance, but above all, nature, forests and the earth. This scenery helped to create the mystic atmosphere of Afro-dance, and increased the enjoyment of the the splendid dances that the girls then enacted. Having seen them many times in recent months, as they trained so hard, we can understand why their performances are so excellent. And that’s what we saw.
A wonderful show, with contrasting choreographies, alternated by numbers featuring two professional dancers (Solange and Wilton), who gave the girls time to change costumes that were sometimes decidedly complicated to wear. The audience was enchanted, and for an hour they held their breath as they observed these marvelous dancers, so serious, concentrated and inspired, as they moved on the set.
The purpose of the dance class, besides promulgating Afro-Brazilian dance traditions, is to bring the girls together, to learn to work as a unit and thereby to build self-confidence and to reveal their potential; all of that was evident in the final performance. The girls received a long applause, which they recognized with timid smiles of happiness.
The ICBIE and its staff can be satisfied with such a fine event, to close a rich year, full of exciting initiatives and stimulating experiences! We take this opportunity to wish everyone happy holidays and a fond farewell until 2014, for another rich year of art and culture!
