LUNDU DANCE – BRAZIL
Possessing elements belonging to the “Afro-Brazilian” performing arts culture is a South American dance form known as Lundu. This “traditional” dance is said to have originated from Brazil. Apparently, this dance is said to have been developed within the Bantu community of Africa and in the Portuguese culture. Furthermore, this dance was supposed to have been introduced into the Brazilian society due to slave trade carried out by the Portuguese during the 15th century. In addition, this dance form is said to be extremely flirtatious in nature.
a. History/origin of the Lundu:
According to the cultural history of Brazil, this dance style was actually introduced into the culture during the 15th century because of the lucrative”Atlantic slave trade” conducted by the colonial masters Portuguese. Furthermore, it was during this period that the Portuguese was heavily into exporting African slaves into Brazil (which was a Portuguese colony at that time). It was then this influx of large number of African slaves that also led to music and dance being influenced by elements belonging to the continent of Africa. In addition, during the 17th and 18th century there were major cultural exchanges that occurred between Angola (which possessed a large number of Brazilians) and Brazil. It was thus these cultural exchanges that also played a major role in the development of this dance called “Lundu”.
b. Costumes used in the Lundu:
The costumes worn in this dance style varies according to the gender as follows:
1. For males:
The costumes worn include a shirtless upper body and a trouser only since this dance style is “sexual” in nature.
2. For females:
The costumes worn (similar to the male) is extremely basic and sexual in style and include a long skirt and a small top that reveals the naval area of the performer.
c. Music involved in the Lundu:
The musical instruments mainly used in this dance style mainly include the guitar, piano, drums, and castanets.
d. Training availability and technique involved in the Lundu:
In terms of technique, this dance involves the use of extremely “seductive” body movements. Furthermore, the female performer utilizes extremely sensual movements of the body such as the swaying of the hips while at the same time the male performer moves around seductively. Finally, the bodies of both the male and the female come in close contact with each other while dancing to the rhythm of the accompanying music. As for training centers/school, there are none available around the world since this “traditional” dance is mainly performed in Brazil.
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