Brazilian Ballrooms, a musical by J.C. Violla, opened on Oct. 10 in Sao Paulo and has transformed The Cultural Artistic Theatre into a legitimate dance venue.

This musical displays the rich Brazilian folk dance repertory. Typical dances from different Brazilian regions such as "ciranda" and "forro" (from the southeast states), "frevo" and "machiche" (from the northern states), "chula" (from the south states), and "pagode" (from the center-west states), are performed in an authentic choreographical journey through the nation´s dance.

Choreographer and dancer J. C. Violla leads the cast of 34 amateur dancers from Sao Paulo. His works are largely based in folk themes. Ballroom, The Musical is his best-known work, and was a blockbuster phenomenon, seen by more than 40.000 people in Brazil in 1993.

"I´ve tried to show that anyone is able to dance, even they are fat or thin, young or old. What we need is just deep inspiration!" says Violla.

Brazilian Ballrooms is directed by Naum Alves de Sousa who is also responsible for scenery and set design. Musics by famous Brazilian composers Chico Buarque de Hollanda, Roberto Carlos and Dalva de Oliveira. The show has a delightful bonus in the shape of dancer Nelly Guedes, especially invited onto the show. Tickets and Information call 011 258 3616 at The Cultural Artistic Theatre - Esther Mesquita Room - Sao Paulo.

-- Nertutila Achao
Brazil Correspondent