November 4-10, 2004

artpicks

Folk Dance on Fire

Dance

Think of folk dancing and you likely conjure images of, well, folksy moves: easy-breezy give-and-take paired with lightly syncopated footwork. And then there is the folk dance of Brazil, which is as hot-blooded as those who perform it. And the fire runs especially hot with Balé Folclírico da Bahia, a 38-member ensemble presenting a spicy repertory based on traditions including African slave dance, samba and the martial-arts-based capoeira.

In performance, the troupe goes through quite a workout, shaking, breaking, jumping and whirling about to electrifying live music. Together, the sound and the movement achieve a pulsating rhythmic fury that sends charges from the stage. Program highlights include "Boi-Bumb," where the cast dons feathery outfits to portray a aboriginal tale involving mythical creatures of the deep forest; "Dança de Origem," another wild tale with a plot involving the creation of the universe; and "Xaxado," featuring rebel outlaws extracting justice for poor, oppressed workers from high-and-mighty landowners. It's all quite imaginative, theatrical and oh so colorful. The dancers are truly athletes with unbridled energy. Some shows have inspired members of the audience to rise up and dance, so come prepared to get your groove on.

Balé Folclõrico da Bahia, Thu., Nov. 4, 8 p.m., $31-$34, McCarter Theatre, 91 University Place, Princeton, N.J, 609-258-2787.

—Deni Kasrel