Afro-Brazilian dance crew moves into Arsht Center

Balé Folclórico da Bahia returns to South Florida with its 38-member troupe of dancers, singers and musicians who perform dance pieces of Afro-Brazilian origin including slave dances, capoeira, samba and carnival celebrations.

The troupe will showcase some of its most-celebrated numbers such as “Samba de Roda,” “Capoeira” and “Afixirê” on Nov. 8 at 8:30 p.m. in the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall.

Tickets to the show start at $35 and may be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling 305-949-6722, or online at www.arshtcenter.org  

“Balé Folclórico da Bahia is a world-renowned cultural celebration of Afro-Brazilian folk dance with more than 500 years of rich history,” said Scott Shiller, executive vice president of the Adrienne Arsht Center. “South Florida audiences are in for a treat as this troupe transforms our Knight Concert Hall into a festive carnival bursting with powerful songs, vibrant costumes and spirited, unparalleled dancing.”

Formed in 1988 and based in Salvador, the Northern state of Bahia, Brazil, Balé Folclórico da Bahia represents the region’s most important cultural manifestations under a contemporary theatrical vision that reflects its popular origins. It features explosive drumming, array of color and high-energy dancing.

Under the direction of Jose Carlos Arandiba, Balé Folclórico da Bahia has earned a prestigious reputation and accolades that include the “Fiat Prize,” awarded by Fiat Industries to the best dance company in Brazil; “Best Performance of the Year,” by the Brazilian Ministry of Culture through the National Institute of Dance; and has been dubbed one of Brazil’s most

important dance companies by the Ministry of Culture. To date, the troupe has completed more than 200 performances in over 90 cities in North America.

For more information, please visit www.balefolcloricodabahia.com.br