http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html Vanessa Isaac: Diary Jannis' PHPRss class - http://www.jannis.to/ Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:26:36 -0800 http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#21
We all know how the balance between inner beauty and outer beauty is important. Personality, charisma, generosity, grace are all elements that makes one beautiful. Hip Brazilâ„¢ takes the beauty concept beyond the superficial. Deep inside everyone there is a sensual being! There is a samba goddess with graceful curves, a sacred being ready to tune with the natural rhythms of the universe and a blissful voyager. I know this is a cliché, however there is honesty in this statement: "Beauty comes from confidence that translates in how you care for yourself". So in this sense, it extends in how you dress, how you behave and how you carry yourself.

In many cultures we have been trained to suppress our sensuality, tucking our hips, keeping them square and never show the power that the curves of our bodies expresses! Even having curves is not embraced! You may turn on the TV or open a magazine and all you see is size 2. Nothing wrong in being size 2, if you naturally are size 2 and you are not starving to death. The problem is when it becomes doctrine that you are only beautiful and worth of love if you’re one size. We come in many sizes.

Unfortunately, when we see any acknowledgment of female curves in the mainstream media is all with sexual connotations. Although sex is not a bad word in my dictionary, for me the point is always the celebration of our sensuality. Sensuality and sexuality are very different. Sexuality is only about sex. Sensuality is about sensitivity; it’s about awareness and presence. Sensuality is the way you feel about your self, not only your body, but also your power as a woman and human being. Sometimes it may involve being sexual but its much more than that.

When you move your hips you allow yourself to explore your sensuality, you open doors to self-discovery. I have received many letters from dancers saying that after they got my DVDs they were exposed to layers of themselves that they were not aware of. By moving their bodies, especially their hips, they were able to connect with parts of themselves that they had cut from their lives for years. The negativity about their bodies and their female power started to disappear. Many of those students say them felt lighter and even a little “high” when they first started to explore those moments, after some months of practice they were able to find their freedom, joy and strength.

So here is a toast to our curves and the power we girls have! May you embrace yourself today and celebrate your curves with self-confidence and joy!

Be Hip Brazil!
Vanessa isaac

© 2008 by Vanessa Isaac.

Below a GREAT poem from Lucille Clifton!

Homage to My Hips

these hips are big hips.
they need space to
move around in.
they don't fit into little
petty places. these hips
are free hips.
they don't like to be held back.
these hips have never been enslaved,
they go where they want to go
they do what they want to do.
these hips are mighty hips.
these hips are magic hips.
i have known them
to put a spell on a man and
spin him like a top

Lucille Clifton]]> http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#21 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700 Brazilian music and dance - Vanessa Isaac - Diary http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#20
The Portuguese brought with them to Brazil this tradition of the Entrudo. And at the end of the ninth century the masked balls that were in fashion in Europe became popular in Rio and costumed balls and parades became usual. Today, Brazilian Carnival owes its high energy and infections rhythms to Central and West African Traditions.

In his book, Dancing - The Pleasure, Power and Art of Movement, Jonas Gerald says: "Out of this mix came the so-called 'samba schools', neighborhood-based social clubs whose principal purpose is to organize Carnival processions. At first, the authorities in Rio discouraged the participation of samba schools from the city's poorer black neighborhoods; in the early years of this century club-swinging police often broke up rowdier processions. In 1935 the samba schools were organize as official Carnival organization: in return, the schools agreed to abide by the city regulations governing the use of musical instruments and the allegorical themes around which the pageants had to be structured. From this agreement Rio's modern carnival, a highly organized event that leaves room for individual 'acting out' was born."

Each school has as a goal to win the first prize in the officially sponsored samba contest. They are judged by a jury that it is appointed by the Government. To participate each school must create an original song that honors a historical event or person. The costume, samba song and floats must relate to the theme chosen.

The Brazilian Carnaval it is a mix of European and African influences. Rio's carnaval is not the only Carnival on the country. The whole country celebrates it. I have to mention here the great carnaval in Recife and Olinda that is celebrated to the sounds of frevo rhythms. Bahia, on the Northeast of the country, is the mother-land of all Afro-Brazilian traditions. There, many rhythms are created and each year more tourists come to be part of the Carnaval celebration. Bahia is also the land of Re-Africanization, a growing black consciousness movement.]]> http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#20 Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700 Brazilian music and dance - Vanessa Isaac - Diary http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#19 and they are great!

Ney Matogrosso Interpreta Cartola
Ney Matogrosso has a beautiful and unique counter-tenor voice. In this CD Ney pays tribute to legendary composer, musician and poet Cartola. Cartola is one of the most important Samba artists. Here Ney sings the classics as "As Rosas Não Falam", "O Mundo É Um Moinho", "Sim" e "O Sol Nascerá", "Desfigurado" e "Senões". Highly recommended!

Universo ao Meu Redor: Marisa Monte
Marisa's productions are always immaculate. In this cd she truly marries samba and pop in an elegant and melodious way. Beautiful album!

Whaa! Zuco 103
Zuco is a band that has great dance tunes and always something to say. Mixing samba, hip hop, electronic, trance, and traditional world beats Zuco is very "cool"]]> http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#19 Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700 Brazilian music and dance - Vanessa Isaac - Diary http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#18
Forró is rhythm and dance style that originated in the Northeast of Brazil. By now, you may have noticed that many of the contagious music from Brazil sprang from this culturally rich area. Some researchers claim that Forró is derived from the word “for all”. English companies in the early 1900 would organize parties for their workers and would advertise it as “for all”, including the general populace. Another theory is that Forro is a derivative of the Portuguese word forrobodó, which refers to “great party” and “joyful gatherings”. Forro is a style of music and dance created by the most humble and poor part of population in the “sertão nordertino”, the semi-arid region in Northeastern Brazil. This dusty interior area receives very little rainfall and sometimes endures sad, long-lasting droughts making life for the “sertanejos” extremely difficult.

Musician Luiz Gonzaga was the most significant promoter of fórro and the northeast music to the rest of Brazil. Gonzaga was born in 1912 in the Northeastern town of Exu, Pernambuco. As a young boy he would play in festivals and small towns balls with his father, the musician Januario Gonzaga. He joined the army at the age of 18 and played in military bands for almost a decade. After leaving the army in 1939, he decided to stay in Rio de Janeiro. Though his brilliant career Luiz Gonzaga sung about the struggles, longings and nostalgia of the Northeastern Sertanejos that due to their homeland drought and lack of jobs were obligated to migrate to larger cities in the south. He praised the interior life becoming one of the symbols for the reality of life in the sertão, giving voice to this simple brazilian population.

"When the green of your eyes spread
over the dead plantation
I promise you that,
Please don’t cry because,
Then I'll be back, dear
Then I'll be back, dear
Then I'll be back."

The traditional Forró is also known as Pé-de Serra. It has as main musical source the instrumental trio of accordion, zabumba and triangulo. This style is well alive specially in the interior and cities like Recife in the state of Pernambuco. Forró music has enjoyed a revival. Young people in Brazil, and even International audiences, have been captivated by it’s contagious rhythms. Forro Universitario is the style associated with bands as Rastapé and Falamansa. It receives this name because of its link to the college kids and bands. Their music is a bit softer then the traditional Forro but still centers around Forro’s instruments and rhythms.

Definitely, Forró is danceable music. Forró is danced in pairs. To dance it well you have to keep pelvis close together, interlock you tights moving in unison and feeling the beat of the zabumba. Zabumba is the great drum that marks the complex rhythms of Forro! Danced in clubs, street festivals and relaxed balls any time of the year in Brazil, this dance receives great attention during Festa Juninas, brazilian festival that happens in June around Dia de Sao João (Saint John's Day)!

When the next invite for a Brazilian Party arrive, if you decide to go, there is good chance that you will be dancing Forró instead of Samba! Forró is for all and is, everywhere!]]> http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#18 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700 Brazilian music and dance - Vanessa Isaac - Diary http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#17
Many of Brazil's great musicians come from the Nordeste (northeast) of Brazil. Pernambuco is one of the largest states of this region (over 3,800 square miles). The city of Recife is the state's capitol. I will be writing more about Pernambuco's beautiful and rich culture in my blog in the future. I want to mention here the Mangue Movement.

In the 1990's a new sound and musical boost came out of Recife called Mague Bit! Chico Science and Nação Zumbi is one of the most famous bands, being one of the founders and promoters of it. With strong rhythmic feel, mixing of traditional with electric instruments and social message, their music is impressive in many levels! It was not only another fusion type of music but an original sound that evolved from a rich cultural tradition and contemporary realities. Chico Science died in 1997 in an unfortunate car accident during canaval season at the young age of 30.

Listen to: da lama ao cais (1994/Sony). This was Chico Science and Nação Zumbi highly successful debut Cd!

Another principal band of this movement is Mundo Livre founded by Fred Motenegro, who uses his nickname of Fred04, and his brother, bassist Fabio.

Listen to the CD: Guentando a oia (1996/ Deckdisc label) and Por pouco (2000)

I will write more about their contributions and influences soon! For now enjoy the music!]]> http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#17 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700 Brazilian music and dance - Vanessa Isaac - Diary http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#16
I know what you’re thinking. Caipirinha is not a drink that you should drink alone! Caipirinha invites parties and celebration. Caipirinha is usually drank in a night out in Rio de Janeiro ...or a nice evening at Pelourinho, the historic square in Salvador Bahia. For sure you would share this drink in a fancy club in São Paulo where beautiful people meet or, the best moments, in backyard family gatherings in your Brazilian hometown.

Believe me, I know! I haven't ever made a caipirinha to drink all by myself. I can start by explaining to you that I'm too far from Brazil! Yes, I can go out here in my California city with a couple of friends and for sure ask for a caipirinha. But remember, I'm bored! I'm bored and worst, lazy! No chance of me going out tonight! So, I decided to make a caipirinha and drink all alone. Accompanying my cocktail will be some Brazilian tunes. I think Caetano will go well tonight. Now understand, its not that Caetano is music for bored people. Caetano is music for the one in need of inspiration!

Now that I clarified myself I will share my recipe with you. Just in case you are bored and in need of some laid back inspiration too!


CAIPIRINHA!
This is a drink made with the Brazilian cachaça, a distilled alcohol made from sugar cane. You may also use vodka or light rum instead of the cachaça. If you use vodka, its called caipiroska, for rum you say caipirissima.

1 lime
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 onces of cachaça
4 large ice cubes or 8 smaller one


Quarter the limes and then slice them in even smaller pieces. Place the sliced limes in an old fashioned glass. Add the tablespoon of sugar. Mash it until the sugar dissolves. Pour 2 onces of cachaça (rum or vodka). Add the ice cubes. Stir well and enjoy!]]> http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#16 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700 Brazilian music and dance - Vanessa Isaac - Diary http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#15 From the state of Pernambuco, MARACATU is a cultural manifestation that mixes elements of theater and music. Its origins goes back to the Reis do Congo (Kings of the Congo) procession that existed since the Brazilian Colonial era until the slavery abolition in 1888. Acting as an intermediary between the Portuguese Colonizers (or the Brazilian government) and the black slaves, the King of Congos were required to maintain the peace among “his people”. In the churches, as custom, the king and queen, elected by their people, were cultured. The slaves celebrated by playing their drums, singing and dancing right after the sacred ceremony. From this tradition the cultural manifestation of Maracatu developed in Pernambuco. There are two varieties of Maracatus: Maracatu Nação and Maracatu Rural. Both have in commom its Afro-Brazilian origins.

The Maracatu Nação also called MARACATU BAQUE VIRADO has visible religious traces and overtones. The music style is lively and dramatic. The ensemble usually consists of percussion and a procession that has as primary figures the “king” and “Queen”. They are encircle by costumed consorts and protected by a canopy.

Maracatu Rural also called as Maracatu de Baque Solto ensembles sugarcane workers and its rooted in the interior. It has afro-indigineous origins. It advanced from the fusion of pre-existing forms of Carnival merrymaking.

Maracatu rhythms influenced successful contemporary fusions as the Mangue Beat movement and Chico Science's music. Chico Science was one of the most famous musicians of the last decades. He were greatly inspired by the Maracatu tradition!]]> http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#15 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700 Brazilian music and dance - Vanessa Isaac - Diary http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#14
Do you know the instruments used to make a good Samba Enredo?
Samba Enredo is a samba-song composed specifically to be sung during Carnival times by the competing Schools of Samba
In Rio De Janeiro. Below, I listed the instruments used to make a great samba-enredo swing. Shall we play?

Surdo de Primeira: It’s the bass drum. It is the foundation and base of the music
Surdo de Segunda: It "responds" to the calling of the Surdo-de-Primeira
Surdo de Terceira-It is played in between the surdo-de-primeira and Surdo de segunda. It gives the samba the great swing feeling
Caixa de guerra: It adorns the samba, helping the surdos maintain the rhythm and giving power to the groove
Repinique: It’s the pedal of the Caixa de Guerra. It helps the samba to sway. It "answers" the Caixa de Guerra beat.
Tarol: It is like the caixa but it has a different tuning although some Samba Schools use the Caixa-de-Guerra with the same tuning of the tarol.
Pandeiro, Ganza and Reco Reco — It seasons the samba infusing the rhythm with the soft sounds.
Tamborim, Cuica and Agogo — With a sharper sound they also add spice to the samba!]]> http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#14 Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700 Brazilian music and dance - Vanessa Isaac - Diary http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#13 I just came home from the theater and I was so moved that I had to make an entry about it. Just go see it!!! The movie has superb cinematography, it's touching and sometimes funny. As reviewer Stephanie Zacharek for Salon.com puts it " the act of "finding oneself" isn't necessarily just a groovy, harmless quest; it can also be a profoundly manipulative act, a way of cutting deeply into the people who love you most." Although her review was not totally favorable, I love it. It was a journey that I took with awe. I highly recommended it!]]> http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#13 Sat, 20 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700 Brazilian music and dance - Vanessa Isaac - Diary http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#12
Marisa Monte- she is the queen!
Céu-really cool and wonderful voice!
Cibele and Bebel Gilberto- I think both are very creative!
Zuco- again fun and creative!
Caetano, Djavan and Gil- They are the icons of Brazilian music.
Milton Nascimento- I love his voice and melodies! Another icon!
Lenine- amazing!
Daniela Mercury- I think the power and tone of her voice is just gorgeous!

I will be posting more as I remember all the names. Above is just a few of them. I'm always discovering and rediscovering artists that touch my soul and
bring joy and depth to my life!]]> http://vanessaisaac.com/news.html#12 Sat, 08 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700 Brazilian music and dance - Vanessa Isaac - Diary