Viver Brasil did not disappoint at Sierra Madre Playhouse on Saturday morning. As I watched the women move across the stage at the start of the program, I immediately thought of Geoffrey Holder’s directions to the dancers in the show Timbuktu, “Make it hot and tasty ladies!” I think he was directing this fierce group of females from above. They were absolutely hot and tasty from beginning to end.
Linda Yudin and Luiz Badaró, co-founders, have assembled a company of musicians and dancers that “unveil history, ignite the present, imagine and inflame the future.” The movement, rhythms, and singing with the informative and interesting narration carries the audience on an exciting journey through Afro-Brazilian history and culture. Upon doing some research I learned that this show, Celebrating Samba, is the signature family program performed for all ages and for in-school residencies or as a free offering to school and community partners.
Singer/Narrator, Natalia Spadini seamlessly provides historical narration to accompany the dancing and ensure audience understanding of the stories of the spiritual Orixa who represent the forces of nature. Michela Melone who danced Ogum, Nagode Simpson who danced Oxum, and Indira LaroyeAna Leneman who danced Oya commanded the stage with ferocity and focus. Michaela’s movements told the story of a woman warrior with her blue sword blazing and sharp, staccato movements and angular lines. A total change of pace came with Nagode Simpson, Oxum the Orixá of fresh waters. Her movements, in long flowing gold material, elicit thoughts of beautiful waters such as lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. It is as if her hands and arms are water flowing. Her body undulates as she swirls and whirls covering the entire stage. Oya, danced by LaroyeAna Leneman, is the Orisha of winds and her fast foot work looked effortless. She danced with an attitude and energy that was unmatched as she gazed straight out into the audience. She never stopped moving. When the dancers came together at the end of the number it was amazing to see each deity maintain their individuality while moving together and weaving in and out of unison phrases and solos.
Music, especially the drums, are integral to the entire program. Once again, the narrator/singer, Natalie provided an informative and descriptive narrative introducing each of the musicians and the drums being played. Musical Director, Luiz Badaró, Mario Pallais, and Marcelo Bucater introduced a variety of drums and other percussion instruments as they engaged the audience in clapping rhythms and participating in a types of call and response with the congas, bells, snare drums, and finally the big drums. Each sound made you want to move more and more. It was as if you could feel the beat in your body. From ancestral sounds to contemporary beats reminiscent of Beyonce’s Homecoming marching band with the featured percussion section.

Viver Brasil in Cor da Pele with Dancers L to R Nagode Simpson, Ajah Muhammad, Rachel Hernandez, Ashley Blanchard, Bianca Medina – Photo by Gia Trovela
Finally, we got to hear Natalie sing and her voice was glorious. It was a wonderful way to move into the last dance on the program. She sang with commitment and passion that reflected Viver Brasil’s commitment to honoring Brazil’s African legacy. According to the company website, “Viver Brasil is a living bridge between its home, Los Angeles, and its sister city, Salvador, Bahia.” This number with its contemporary rhythms and movements mixed with traditional samba clearly demonstrates this connection between Bahia and Los Angeles, past and present, tradition, and contemporary. Vibrant colorful costumes for musicians and dancers matched the celebratory and joyful movements. It was like watching a party and a perfect transition into the audience participation portion of the program.
At this point, the entire audience was on their feet and ready to participate in learning movements from the dance that had just been performed. For the next fifteen minutes we were all at the party dancing. I sat down for a moment to just watch the audience members dancing. Sheer joy could be seen on the faces of the children. I was amazed at how engaged even the littlest children were as they struggled to turn and clap and follow the dancers teaching. I decided to ask one little girl what she liked best, and she responded, “Feeling the beats through your body. It invites you to move your body.” This was edutainment at its best and the audience of families in attendance loved every minute of it.
Join Viver Brasil for Community Class!
Monday, October 21, 2024
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Nate Holden Performing Arts
4718 West Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016
***********
For more information about Viver Brasil, please visit their website.
For more information about the Sierra Madre Playhouse, please visit their website.
Written by Leah Bass-Baylis for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Viver Brasil, courtesy of the company.