A unique dance production is making its Australian debut this week in Perth. ‘Brazouka’ brings a little-known form of dance to the world stage for a unique night of storytelling, spectacle and flamboyancy.
‘Brazouka’ tells the story of world renowned dancer Braz Dos Santos, who, from humble beginnings as a child fisherman, rose to become a freestyle Lambazouk dancer many regard as the best in the world.
As a child, Dos Santos witnessed the birth of the Lambada peeking through the door of the local bordello. Discovered dancing in a beach bar, Dos Santos was asked to come to Paris, giving him the opportunity to leave his precarious life as a fisherman behind.
‘Brazouka’ promises an upbeat show that will get audiences dancing, showcasing a unique Brazilian dance form while telling a personal rags to riches tale.
The show’s co-creator, writer and co-producer Pamela Stephenson-Connolly, who is known widely for her career in comedy, became inspired to explore this form of dance after starring on the BBC’s season of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in 2012. Wishing to continue dancing after the show, Stephenson-Connolly travelled to Brazil and discovered the world of Lambazouk dance.
“Braz was my dance teacher very early on, about four years ago, straight after I did ‘Strictly'”, Stephenson-Connolly said, explaining that she had been under the tutelage of many of the dancers in the cast.
“Some of the girls in the cast started trying to teach me these wonderful dances and gradually I got to know the whole cast and thought ‘Wouldn’t it be fantastic to create a show?'”
Braz Dos Santos said he was thrilled to be introducing Lambazouk to the world.
“I am very happy. It’s amazing to be with my friends, it’s like a big family, making such a nice dance for the world, and now Australia.”
‘Brazouka’ features a cast of 16 impeccable dancers, 8 men and 8 women who all get their fair share of elaborate costumes, inclusing bedazzled bodysuits and feathered hairdressers. The male members of the cast were also introduced to high heels.
“The boys dance like men, they dance like butch men but wearing high heels.” Stephenson-Connolly explained. “I saw it in Rio about 9 months ago. I saw one man doing this and I thought ‘Hello! This is going to be fabulous!'”
You can see Brazouka at the Regal Theatre from October 23rd to November 1st. Tickets available from Ticketek.
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