Corpo performer photographed in 2009 in São Paulo by Thais Lancman/ Flickr

“All facets of Brazil, past and future, erudite and popular, foreign influence and local color, and the urban and the suburban come to being as art”, says dance critic Helena Katz, refering to world renowned dance company Grupo Corpo. Created in 1975 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, by choreographer Paulo Pederneiras, it reinterprets a huge array of styles, from ballet to street dance, with an amazing level of energy and physicality.

Here is a little sample of their work:

The group latest show, 2011 “Sem Mim”

“Ongotô”, the 2005 show that celebrated their 30th anniversary

And this is 2004 tango-esque Lecuona

“Nazareth”, with music by José Miguel Wisnick, based on early composer Ernesto Nazareth.

On a similar note, check the post 35 years of Cisne Negro, about the other company that dominates modern dance scene in the country. You can also view other posts about dance in Brazil.