The Scotiabank Dance Centre will come alive with Afro-Brazilian dance, music, and colour later this month. That’s because the Dance Centre has invited the high-spirited Vancouver troupe, Aché Brasil, to perform at its noon-hour Discover Dance! series on March 28.
Founded by Mastre Eclilson de Jesus, Aché Brasil has captivated audience across North America with its brand of capoeira. This artform incorporates self-defence moves, including sky-high kicks, along with martial arts and acrobatics.
It’s accompanied by a berimbau, which is a 1.5-metre wooden Brazilian bow strung with a metal wire. The musician often holds an attached open-backed gourd against their stomach as they generate different sounds during the show.
The name Aché means “all things positive” in Yoruba. That certainly the mindset of the performers when they go on-stage to share their Brazilian culture with audiences.
Meanwhile, the word Brazil comes from the Portuguese phrase Terra do Brasil. This referred to the brazilwood tree, which was so plentiful in the South American country at the time of Portuguese colonization.
According to the Aché Brasil website, the bigger shows include a full band. A smaller group relies on drums and other traditional percussion to accompany the performers.
Aché Brasil also offers a “free capoeira class without commitment” at its academy at 341 East Broadway in Vancouver.
The Dance Centre will present Aché Brasil at the Scotiabank Dance Centre at noon on March 28. For tickets and more information, visit the Dance Centre website. Follow Pancouver on Twitter @PancouverMedia and on Instagram @PancouverMedia.
