University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Study Abroad students spent much of two consecutive days with members of BmB da Floresta. They received instruction in Tambor da Crioula, costume preparation and the embroidery techniques used by the group, and learned the basic floor movements of the dance of the indios. The indios represent the indigenous people of Maranhao and are traditionally called tapuias. Formerly danced only by men, women now dance as well.
Of the performative elements of the Baixada style, the indios/tapuias (both male and female) are usually the younger and most vigorous dancers.
Younger teenagers begin with simple version of the basic steps and eventually move up to the exotic costumes and steps of the more seasoned dancers. The leaders of the indios are typically between their twenties and forties.
UW-Milwaukee students worked with members of BmB da Floresta to lean the basic steps. First, the steps learned by the young girls and boys, then some variations for the more advanced tapuia dancers.
In the following video, UW-Milwaukee Study Abroad students are instructed by Talyene Melonio and Nadir Cruz.
Preparing the Costumes
The group leaders explained that they renew about 40% of the costumes from year to year. A season or two of hour-by hour, night-by-night dancing shreds the costumes (and dancers) eventually.
BmB da Floresta integrates young people of the neighborhood into the production of costumes. Regular members do this as a matter of course, but the youth of this modest and difficult neighborhood can spend their off-hours in the culture and care of the Floresta group. They learn costuming skills, get a snack and protection from the street, and can become part of the Bumba-meu-boi culture.
The group has received some outside government support in the past (under the title “Floresta Criativa”), but even without formal support they have a continuing workshop for costuming.
