We warmly invite you to the Côco and Forró dance workshops taking place on June 13th in Kraków.
Both workshops will will be taught by Otávio Santos, from Recife, Brasil, currently living in Landshut, Germany.
DATE: 13th of June (Saturday)
⏰ HOUR: 13:30 – 16:15 (followed by social dancing)
WHERE: Kontakt – Przestrzeń Ruchu, Tańca i Muzyki, ul. Szpitalna 40, Kraków
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WORKSHOPS:
13:30 – 14:45 Sweetening up Forró with Côco – Open level
Good to have: basic forró steps (dois pra lá dois pra cá, front and back, dobradiça / basic 2)
We’re going to explore together the Côco rhythm which is characteristic of the Northeast region of Brasil (Nordeste).
This dance is very energetic and can be executed alone, with a pair, or in a group (line or circle). We’re going to investigate some intersections of Forró and Côco and also apply this new body movements and beat pattern to our Forró in order to get new dance dynamics.
15:00 – 16:15 Forró nordestino corporality – Open level
Good to have: basic forró steps (dois pra lá dois pra cá, front and back, dobradiça / basic 2)
We will learn how to bring a little bit of Brazilian swing into our forró as it is usually danced in Brazilian Nordeste.
We’re going to work on body awareness to understand better its dynamics and apply it to the dance. In this way we will incorporate elements that characterize ‘forró popular’ – the most traditional one, danced in the Northeastern parties.
16:30 – 17:30 Practice time / Social dancing (with a possibility to make it a little longer )
In Kontakt clean indoor shoes are required, or you can be just in socks / barefoot.
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How much does it cost?
EARLY BIRD – available until the 5th of June 23:59
1 workshop – 75 PLN
2 workshops – 135 PLN
LAZY BIRD – available from the 6th of June 0:00
1 workshop – 90 PLN
2 workshops – 165 PLN
❗Spots are limited! Don’t hesitate and sign up now: https://forms.gle/B6mLKtRa6YHHMm7Y7
The practice after the workshop is free for workshop participants. If you want to come only for the practice we suggest 5-10 PLN cash donation for the space.
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WILL THERE BE A PARTY?
Yes! We warmly invite everyone to our Forró party – Arraia edition on the 12th of June (Friday BEFORE the workshops) https://www.facebook.com/events/1028564509510845
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WHAT IS CÔCO?
Côco is often performed with a repetitive musical fast-paced beat and call and response singing, reminiscent of capoeira music. The characteristic sound of côco arises from four instruments commonly used in its performance: the ganzá, surdo, pandeiro and triangle. Performers also often wear wooden clogs, the stomping of which add a fifth percussive element.
WHAT IS FORRÓ?
Forró is both a music genre and a partner dance originating from Northeastern Brazil, with its beginnings tracing back to the 19th century. It can be danced to slow as well as fast-paced melodies, and – depending on the style and rhythm – either in a closed embrace or in a more open position, creating space for different dance figures and improvisation.
Forró is internally diverse, vivid, and beginner-friendly, allowing everyone to join the parties held in a welcoming atmosphere.
WHO ARE WE LEARNING WITH?
Otávio’s (@otavio_santos) dance steps started when he was around 6 years old, dancing with his father and brothers at home in Brasil. At the age of 14 he was introduced to couple dancing by friends and has never stopped dancing since.
As a monitor at dance schools, he learned different dance styles such as Tango, Salsa, Forró, Zouk, Samba de Gafieira, Bolero, Cha-cha, among others. He also participated in several festivals as a student.
Later he was introduced to popular dances from Brasil, notably Frevo, and performed in shows with the dance company he was a member of.
With a restless personality and a tendency to move, one of the first things he did after moving to Germany in 2022 was to look for a dance school to attend. In 2023 he started a free dance project in Landshut where he teaches Forró and from there the Forró Landshut community emerged that has already organized two forró festivals.
In Forró his dance is marked by the incorporation of elements from the folkloric dances of Pernambuco, such as Côco, Maracatu, and Frevo. His focus is on working on body awareness, organic movements, and musicality.
Whether on stage or in the streets, he always finds a way to dance.
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❗In our events there is no space for any form of discrimination or harassment. We expect all participants to familiarize themselves with and adhere to our community’s Code of Conduct, so that together we can create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space filled with mutual respect.
Our community’s Code of Conduct:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DRkoQywjOoZ
FB: https://www.facebook.com/forrokrakow
IG: @forro.do.bao @forrokrakow