Fernando, Nayara, Rafael and Shaka Freestyle in Rio De Janeiro, Brasil
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Fernando Nayara Shaka Brown Rio FreestyleAfter an 18 hour bus ride from Florianopolis to Rio De Janeiro, I was ready to do anything but sit down. Fernando Shellenberg and Nayara were my gracious hosts while staying in Copacabana for some much needed downtime. After getting settled with luggage, a shower and a change of clothes, we headed over to the beach, where Andrea Elpidio hosts a shoreside salsa social. 


 

After seeing folks that I got to hang out with at the 2007 Brasil Salsa Congress, we relaxed on the Copacabana shore listening to classic Salsa music and sipping caipiroskas. 2.5 drinks later we all decided to head to the Lapa area, where Carlos Bolacha hosts another social at Cachanga do Malandro. It felt great to be able to attend a party without having to bring costumes and prepare music for performances. As soon as I got in I ordered another caipiroska to keep things moving. Then came the announcement (in portuguese):
"We have some special guests here tonight, Nayara Melo and Fernando Schellengerg, with International Salsa dancer and instructor, Shaka Brown!"

There was applause and we waved to the crowd. Then I felt it coming...and it came:

"Won't you guys give us a small demonstration?"

 

Why does this always happen after the 3rd drink?! Fernando started off with Nayara to La 33's "Gozalo con la 33". They were grooving and I would have been perfectly comfortable on the side sipping my caipiroska the whole time. That's actually what I was doing until :40 into the clip, when Fernando looked for me to pick up Nayara. I handed my drink to Mari and made my way to the floor. The floor was pretty fast, but not so much as to lose control. Nayara was awesome in adapting to our different styles as we went back and forth.
At 4:17 Fernando picked up Rafael, one of the dancers in their MamboRio dance company and they double danced Nayara. It was awesome to see the spontaneity and innovation that comes out of Brasil.  Special thanks to Carlos Bolacha for making this moment possible, and I'm looking forward to more dances with Nayara. Or with Fernando and Nayara. Or with Rafael and Fernando and Nayara.


For more information about Fernando Schellenberg and Nayara Melo's Dance Company visit www.mamborio.com.br.

-sGB

 

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