Grupo Corpo

UK PREMIERE

The legendary Brazilian dance company blends Brazilian styles with ballet and contemporary dance to create a unique style.

Legendary mixed gender dance company Grupo Corpo summons Brazilian history, culture and spirituality in two UK premieres.

Music is at the heart of Gil Refazendo, a piece which pays a transformative homage to one of the godfathers of Brazilian music, Gilberto Gil. Refazendo translates as 'remaking’, a theme which runs throughout the piece. Pivoting between graceful and high-energy motion, the dancers gradually build momentum and move as one, to the sound of Gil's eclectic mix of samba, bossa nova and electronica.

Gira means 'spin', and this piece draws on rhythms and movements inspired by the rites of Afro-Brazilian religion Umbanda. In Umbanda rituals, participants dance and spin, releasing control of their bodies to the spirits of deities. Gira evokes these rituals, with dancers jumping and floating through ritualistic movements, ballet and contemporary. São Paulo jazz group Metá Metá's soundtrack is inspired by Eshu, a deity who mediates between the human and spiritual realms, whose dynamism is evoked in the dancers' perpetual motion.

This is a joyful performance, in which music and dance illuminate the uniqueness of Brazilian culture.

Supported by Geoff and Mary Ball and Consulate General of Brazil in Edinburgh and Instituto Guimarães Rosa

Gil Refazendo
Rodrigo Pederneiras Choreographer
Gilberto Gil Music
Paulo Pederneiras Set & Lighting Designer
Freusa Zechmeister Costume Designer

Gira
Rodrigo Pederneiras Choreographer
Metá Metá Music
Paulo Pederneiras Set & Lighting Designer
Gabriel Pederneiras Lighting Designer
Freusa Zechmeister Costume Designer