Well, not really. But as close as I could come without stepping foot on an airplane. I learned about the culture, and experienced the people, the food, the music and the dancing.
A good portion of my students here in Brazil are from Angola. Angola is a country on the western coast of Africa, that before coming to Brazil I knew nothing about. Every year, selected Angolan students are sent over to Brazil to attend university. After passing an exam these students are given the opportunity to attend university abroad in Brazil, Portugal, France, the UK or the US. However, the country is not their choosing and often times their field of study isn't either. In addition, upon being granted the scholarship, the students sign a contract committing themselves to working for a company in Angola for a few years after they complete university.
The Angolan students in my classes are among the 7% of Angolans that attend university and are among the friendliest, most intelligent and driven people I have ever met.
Angola was formerly a colony of Portugal, but gained its independence in 1975, so when my students invited me to a party to celebrate Angolan Independence Day, I couldn't turn the offer down.
Rachel and I arrived to the party at 7:00pm (the time written on the invitation), and to our surprise no one was there. We later learned that it was Angolan custom to be late...very late. The majority of guests arrived around 8:30pm.
What followed was one of the most entertaining shows I have ever seen of Angolan music, dancing, singing and fashion trends. Two of my students walked Rachel and I through the buffet line explaining all the delicious options to us.
After dinner, we sang "Parabens" or "Happy Birthday" to Angola, and then boarded a bus to continue the party at someone's house.
The house consisted of a large empty room, equipped with two laptops and a huge speaker. When we arrived the music was blaring and the Angolans took to dancing right away.
The house consisted of a large empty room, equipped with two laptops and a huge speaker. When we arrived the music was blaring and the Angolans took to dancing right away.
Angolan dancing consists of two main dancing styles, each unlike anything I have ever seen. The slower dancing is very slow and sensual, as the men and women close their eyes and move together in the same, repetitive motion. After observing this dancing technique, I now understand why the average Angolan family has five children.
The faster dancing is the complete opposite. It is called "kuduro" and it is the most high-energy dancing style I have ever seen. Watching the Angolans dance "kuduro" is like watching a group of people all electrocuted at the same time. Traditional drums and whistles sound as Angolan bodies begin to gyrate furiously. They develop into a trance-like state as they seem to lose control over their body and thrust their pelvis back and forth in abrupt motions. They kick their legs around, and at random moments, they get on all fours and crawl around the floor. Basically anything goes.
I can only imagine what I looked like as I tried to mimic their dance moves.
The faster dancing is the complete opposite. It is called "kuduro" and it is the most high-energy dancing style I have ever seen. Watching the Angolans dance "kuduro" is like watching a group of people all electrocuted at the same time. Traditional drums and whistles sound as Angolan bodies begin to gyrate furiously. They develop into a trance-like state as they seem to lose control over their body and thrust their pelvis back and forth in abrupt motions. They kick their legs around, and at random moments, they get on all fours and crawl around the floor. Basically anything goes.
I can only imagine what I looked like as I tried to mimic their dance moves.
if i have waited more than less 50 minutes i have commented on the new post... so to don't pass in blank here i am letting some words to your blog rsrsrsrsrs... well just passin, i have wrote it all in the last comment in the past post so i'm out of topics.... See ya!!!
ReplyDeleteYou will be a pro on different dancing styles when you get home. Somehow the visual of you on all fours on the floor kicking your legs around is hysterical. (Hope you were wearing shorts under your skirt.)
ReplyDeleteLove your sandals!
I learned about all of this in my African Music class! So much of what you are experiencing highlights the content of my college courses...a bit strange lol - Looks and sounds like you had a great time :)
ReplyDeleteHi teacher, i will try to comment on the way of we learned today:
ReplyDelete" I said (that) i was pretty confused with the new exercises and grammar."
"My teacher said (that) she thinks grammar and exercises are really important!"
Hahahahahaha, for my happiness you said this again.... i really love when you does it.I think i will carry this phrase as a souvenir from you to remember the classes that you had given to me....well, i hope you don't get angry with this, is just a joke, i'll remember other phrases, like: "Joao, you are just keeping the tradition!" (when i always miss the first exercise)..... this will be carved on my mind forever i think... well.... great times we never forget don't you think? and i have too a keychain that i have earned on that game we did in class...Ah, i almost forgot i was expecting you to describe us the dance of the angolans, like you said, "I can only imagine what I looked like as I tried to mimic their dance moves." but you don't reach my expectations...well, for now it's all!!
See Ya !
so, i'll wait for you on sunday... See Ya!!
ReplyDeleteMom- Be prepared for a demonstration when I get home. I have CDs and everything.
ReplyDeleteDanny- That is very random. You should take a break from college and come travel with me! Just kidding.
João- Perhaps I will demonstrate the dance of the Angolans on the last day of classes, but only if you demonstrate for me the dancing style of the Brazilians! See you Sunday!