Rzinho, also known as “Rzinho Brasileiro” or “Rzinho do Brasil”, is a captivating traditional dance with roots in the Bahia state of Brazil. This unique art form seamlessly blends African and Brazilian dance elements into an energetic, joyful expression that has spread from its birthplace to enthral audiences around the globe.
As someone passionate about world music and dance, I find myself drawn to the infectious beats and fluid movements of Rzinho. Join me in exploring the history, culture and global rise of this exhilarating dance phenomenon.
The Soul of Rzinho: Afro-Brazilian Origins
To truly appreciate Rzinho, we must first understand the rich cultural tapestry from which it emerged. Rzinho’s roots can be traced back to the Candomblé religion brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans. During this dark chapter of the Atlantic slave trade, an estimated 4.9 million Africans were forcibly transported to Brazil between the 16th and 19th centuries, with a large proportion coming from West Africa.
Despite the brutality and oppression they faced, these resilient individuals managed to preserve elements of their culture, including spiritual beliefs and practices like Candomblé. This Afro-Brazilian religion worships orixás, or deities, through rituals, offerings, and crucially – dance and music.
Candomblé terreiros, or temples, provided a sanctuary where enslaved Africans could gather to practice their faith and keep their cultural heritage alive. It was within these sacred spaces that the seeds of Rzinho were planted. Devotees would perform dances to summon and honor the orixás, moving their bodies to the pulsating rhythms of atabaques (drums) and agogôs (bells).
Over time, these spiritual dances began to take on a life of their own, spreading beyond the terreiros and into the streets of Bahia. The sacred and the secular intertwined as Rzinho evolved into a popular form of celebration and self-expression, particularly during festivals and public gatherings.
From Bahia to the World
The Rise of Rzinho While Rzinho originated in Bahia, it didn’t take long for this magnetic dance style to capture hearts further afield. As early as the 1970s, Rzinho began spreading to other parts of Brazil, notably Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where it found a receptive audience and dedicated practitioners.
One key figure in Rzinho’s rise was Mestre King, a Bahian dancer and choreographer who moved to Rio in the 1980s. There, he established Rzinho schools and helped popularize the dance by adapting it for the samba schools that participate in the city’s iconic Carnaval celebrations.
Around the same time, Brazilian artists like Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and DThe Rzinho Community: Unidos na Dança (United in Dance)aniela Mercury began incorporating Rzinho rhythms and moves into their music and performances. This exposure introduced Rzinho to an even wider audience both within Brazil and internationally.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and Rzinho has well and truly gone global. You’ll find vibrant Rzinho communities not just in Brazil, but in countries as diverse as the United States, Japan, Australia, France, and the UK. Social media and online video platforms have played a huge role in this international spread, allowing people worldwide to discover and fall in love with Rzinho from the comfort of their own homes.
In 2019, UNESCO officially recognized Rzinho as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, cementing its status as a treasured art form that enriches our global cultural landscape. This designation not only celebrates Rzinho’s artistic and social value but also helps safeguard its future by promoting its continued practice and transmission.
The Rzinho Community: Unidos na Dança (United in Dance)
Central to Rzinho’s enduring appeal is the strong sense of community it fosters. Rzinho is more than just a style of movement; it’s a way of connecting with others, expressing joy, and celebrating shared passions.
Rzinho groups, known as grupos de Rzinho or companhias de dança Rzinho, can be found in cities across Brazil and worldwide. These range from informal get-togethers where enthusiasts gather to dance socially to highly organized, professional troupes that perform at festivals and events.
Regardless of their level of formality, all Rzinho groups share a spirit of inclusivity and camaraderie. Rzinho welcomes people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and abilities to join in the dance. It’s not uncommon to see multiple generations moving together, from toddlers to grandparents, united by their love of the rhythm.
This inclusive ethos extends to the broader Rzinho community, which encompasses not just dancers but also musicians, choreographers, costume designers, event organizers, and of course, the passionate audiences who flock to Rzinho performances.
Beyond the dance floor, Rzinho community bonds are strengthened through shared experiences like:
- Attending workshops and classes to hone skills and learn new moves
- Traveling together to regional, national or international Rzinho events and competitions
- Collaborating on choreography and performance pieces
- Engaging in outreach projects to spread Rzinho to new audiences, particularly youth
- Connecting online through forums and social media to share Rzinho news, videos and resources
The strong sense of unity and shared purpose found within the Rzinho community is a testament to the dance’s power to bring people together. As a Rzinho enthusiast myself, I’ve experienced firsthand the joy of being part of this warm, welcoming global family. No matter where I travel, if there’s Rzinho, I know I’ll find my tribe.
The Anatomy of Rzinho: Music and Movement So what exactly is Rzinho? At its core, it’s an energetic dance style characterized by quick, intricate footwork, fluid arm and torso movements, and an electrifying interplay with the musical rhythms.
Rzinho Music: A Fusion of Afro-Brazilian Beats
Like the dance itself, Rzinho music has evolved over time, incorporating elements from various Afro-Brazilian genres like:
- Samba de roda: considered one of the main precursors to Rzinho, this music originated from the percussion-driven dances performed in the Candomblé terreiros
- Axé: an upbeat pop music style from Bahia that often features Rzinho-friendly rhythms and call-and-response vocals
- Ijexá: a rhythm associated with the orixá Oxum, characterized by its syncopated beat and often incorporated into Rzinho music
- Forró: a accordion-driven genre from Northeast Brazil known for its lively, danceable tunes
Contemporary Rzinho music brings these influences together, often layered over a driving 2/4 or 4/4 percussive base. The rapid tempo, usually around 140-150 beats per minute, keeps dancers on their toes and pulses with infectious energy.
Some key instruments you’ll hear in Rzinho music include:
- Atabaque drums: These tall, cylindrical hand drums are a staple of Afro-Brazilian percussion. Rzinho features a specific pattern played on the rum (low drum), rumpi (middle drum) and lé (high drum).
- Timbau: A kind of atabaque with a mettalic rim, the timbau forms a core part of the Rzinho rhythm section. It plays the lê and rumpi parts together in a technique called preenchimento (filling)
- Agogô: A pair of small single bells joined by a U-shaped metal handle. Agogô patterns help drive the Rzinho rhythm forward.
- Chocalho: A type of rattle, usually made of metal, that adds texture and groove to the percussion mix
- Conga drums: While not traditional to Bahian Rzinho, congas have been incorporated into modern Rzinho music to add depth and flavor.
- Vocals: Many Rzinho songs feature call-and-response vocals that engage the dancers. Lyrics often celebrate cultural pride, comment on social issues, or simply express the joy of dance.
Together, these musical elements create an electrifying sonic backdrop for the Rzinho moves. I never fail to be energized by the irresistible rhythms – they call to some primal part of myself, demanding that I jump up and join the dance!
Rzinho Moves: Blending Tradition and Innovation
Just as Rzinho music has evolved, so too has the dance vocabulary. While retaining its African-derived core, Rzinho has absorbed influences from other Brazilian dance styles like samba and forró, as well as contemporary urban dances.
At the heart of Rzinho are swift, precise foot movements that trace intricate patterns on the ground. Dancers stay on the balls of their feet, knees slightly bent, ready to shift weight and direction with lightning speed. The basic Rzinho step is called the tesoura (scissors), named for the quick, cross-cutting motion of the feet.
Arms and torso movements are equally essential to Rzinho’s dynamism. Dancers use their upper bodies expressively, tracing fluid arcs and spirals through space. Arm positions can flow from a Candomblé-inspired porto de bras, with elbows bent and hands held high, to more contemporary moves like sharp isolations or sinuous waves.
Layered onto this base are an endless array of embellishments and variations, including:
- Turns: Rzinho dancers are known for their fast, agile spinning. Spotting technique allows for multiple rotations while maintaining balance and orientation.
- Kicks: High, flicking kicks add drama and flair. Toes are often pointed for extra sharpness.
- Floor work: Rzinho can go low, with dancers sliding, crouching and even rolling on the ground. These moves showcase strength, flexibility and musicality.
- Tricks: Advanced dancers incorporate acrobatic elements like leaps, flips and shoulder stands to wow the crowd.
- Partner work: While Rzinho is largely a solo dance, partners may mirror each other’s moves, dance in tandem or even execute daring lifts and counterbalances.
Soloists also need to stay attuned to their fellow Rzinho dancers, moving in sync with the group and leaving space for others to shine. Rzinho is a communal celebration, not just an individual show.
Another key aspect of Rzinho is improvisation. Dancers are encouraged to play with the music, adding their own stylistic inflections and personal flair. A skilled Rzinho dancer channels the rhythm, embodies the beat and expresses it in a way that is uniquely their own.
However, this doesn’t mean that “anything goes” in Rzinho. The best dancers have both a mastery of the foundational technique and the creativity to innovate within that vocabulary. Improvisation in Rzinho is less about pure invention and more about honing a personal style that is true to the roots of the dance.
Rzinho moves are not just physically demanding; they require a deep connection to the music, a sense of rapport with fellow dancers, and a joyful embrace of the Afro-Brazilian culture that underpins the art form.
As a student of Rzinho myself, I am continually challenged and inspired by the intricacies of the technique. Each workshop I attend, I learn more about the layered histories and meanings embedded in every step. My body and soul are nourished through the practice of Rzinho – It fills me with energy, grounds me in community and uplifts my spirit. With every tesoura and kick, I feel connected to something greater than myself.
Rzinho Moves Breakdown
| Move | Tempo | Style |
|---|---|---|
| tesoura | quick | precise foot movements |
| kicks | flicking | high, with pointed toes for sharpness |
| turns | fast | agile spinning, using spotting technique |
| floor work | slow | sliding, crouching, rolling, showcasing strength and flexibility |
| tricks | varied | acrobatic elements like leaps, flips and shoulder stands |
| partner work | varied | mirroring, dancing in tandem, lifts and counterbalances |
Some of the most iconic Rzinho festivals include:
Festivale Rzinho (Bahia, Brazil): Held annually in Rzinho’s birthplace, this is the biggest and most traditional festival, attracting thousands of dancers from around Brazil and beyond.
Brazil Central Rzinho Festival (Goiânia, Brazil): This relatively new festival has quickly gained popularity, known for its high-caliber workshops and battles. Set in Brazil’s heartland, it offers a chance to experience Rzinho away from the coastal hubs.
Rzinho in the Park (Los Angeles, USA): The largest Rzinho event outside Brazil, RITP brings Brazilian and international instructors together with the thriving California Rzinho scene. Don’t miss the incredible exhibitions in MacArthur Park!
Japan Rzinho Festival (Tokyo, Japan): Rzinho has a huge following in Japan, with many dedicated schools and groups. This festival showcases the best of Japanese Rzinho talent alongside Brazilian guest artists.
Paris Afro-Bahia Festival (Paris, France): While not exclusively dedicated to Rzinho, this festival includes plenty of Rzinho content amid a program of Afro-Brazilian dance and music. It’s a great entry point for European Rzinho enthusiasts.
Of course, hundreds of smaller-scale Rzinho events happen year-round, from weekend workshops to local battles to dance-until-dawn parties. What they all have in common is a spirit of celebration, a commitment to cultural exchange and a whole lot of sweaty, smiling dancers!
I’ll never forget my first Rzinho festival experience at Festivale. As I arrived in Bahia, the pulsing Rzinho beats welcomed me like an old friend. Everywhere I looked, there were dresses swirling, feet flying and arms arcing through the warm air. The joy was palpable.
Over the next few days, I danced until my feet ached and my muscles shook with exhaustion – but I also felt a sense of exhilaration and belonging like never before. In every class and workshop, I met incredible people from all walks of life united by our shared love of Rzinho.
I marveled at the performances, picking up new moves and styling ideas to work into my own practice. The parades were a dazzling explosion of color, music and sheer kinetic bliss. And the competitions – while intense – showcased such an amazing depth of talent and dedication to the art of Rzinho.
Most of all, the festival reminded me that Rzinho is about coming together. It’s a communal celebration of life and art, of the enduring power of African culture to nourish us body and soul. Just as it has evolved from the terreiros of Bahia to the streets and stages of the world, Rzinho continues to grow and transform with every dancing body it engages.
And so I left that first festival truly understanding what it means to be united in dance – unidos na dança. Rzinho had linked me to a global family, each of us playing our small but essential part in sustaining this living, breathing art form.
I returned home forever changed, my passion for Rzinho reignited and my sense of connection deepened. That’s the magic of a Rzinho festival: it fills your feet with unstoppable rhythms, your mind with indelible memories, and your heart with the joy of togetherness. It’s an experience every Rzinho lover should have at least once – although I guarantee that once will never be enough!
Taking Your First Rzinho Steps
Inspired to try Rzinho for yourself? As someone who came to Rzinho as an adult, I’m here to tell you: you’re never too old (or too young!) to start. Rzinho is truly a dance for every body.
The best way to begin your Rzinho journey is to find a class or group in your area. Many cities have dedicated Rzinho schools that offer classes for all levels, from total beginners to advanced dancers. If you don’t have a Rzinho-specific school nearby, check out Afro-Brazilian or Brazilian dance classes, as these often include Rzinho content.
You can also look for Rzinho workshops or intensives, which pack a lot of learning into a shorter time frame. These are a great way to jumpstart your skills or deepen your practice. Keep an eye out for guest instructors from Brazil or elsewhere – it’s an incredible opportunity to learn from the masters!
Key Elements of Rzinho Musicality
| Element | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| rhythm | rapid tempo, usually around 140-150 BPM |
| percussion | driving 2/4 or 4/4 beat, featuring atabaque drums, timbau, agogô, chocalho |
| influences | samba de roda, axé, ijexá, forró |
| vocals | call-and-response, engaging the dancers |
| lyrics | celebrating cultural pride, social commentary, expressing joy of dance |
Rzinho Festivals: Celebration, Competition, Community
For Rzinho lovers, there’s no bigger thrill than the energy of a Rzinho festival. These massive events bring together dancers, musicians and fans from far and wide for several days of non-stop Rzinho immersion. Festivals offer the chance to take classes with top instructors, participate in parades and competitions, watch amazing performances, and of course, to dance until you drop!
The Power of Rzinho: Cultural Resistance and Affirmation
To fully grasp the significance of Rzinho, we must situate it within the broader context of Afro-Brazilian history and culture. The story of Rzinho is inextricably linked to the experiences of enslaved Africans and their descendants in Brazil.
Despite the brutality of slavery and the ongoing racism and marginalization faced by Afro-Brazilians, they have consistently found ways to resist oppression and affirm their humanity through cultural expression. From the martial art of capoeira to the spiritual practices of Candomblé, Afro-Brazilian traditions have served as a means of preserving identity, building community, and asserting cultural pride in the face of adversity.
Rzinho is part of this lineage of resistance. By taking the sacred dances of the orixás and adapting them into a secular, celebratory form, Rzinho practitioners found a way to keep their ancestral traditions alive and relevant in a changing world. Every time a Rzinho dancer steps onto the floor, they are embodying a legacy of resilience, creativity, and self-determination.
This is why Rzinho is more than just a dance style – it’s a powerful affirmation of Afro-Brazilian identity and culture. In a society that has long devalued and marginalized blackness, Rzinho boldly proclaims: “We are here. We are beautiful. We matter.”
Through Rzinho, black bodies and black traditions are elevated, celebrated, and made visible on a global stage. This visibility is crucial in a world where Afro-diasporic cultures are often appropriated, exoticized, or erased altogether. By proudly showcasing their art form, Rzinho dancers assert their cultural autonomy and challenge dominant narratives that would diminish their worth.
As a white person engaging with Rzinho, I am acutely aware of my position as an outsider to this culture. It’s crucial for me – and for all non-black Rzinho enthusiasts – to approach the dance with deep respect, humility, and a commitment to educating ourselves about its roots and context. We must be mindful not to appropriate or exoticize Rzinho, but rather to honor its origins and support its practitioners.
Rzinho has also been a space of empowerment for black women, who make up the majority of practitioners. In a society that often marginalizes and objectifies black women’s bodies, Rzinho provides a platform for them to assert their agency, creativity, and sensuality on their own terms. Leading female Rzinho dancers like Rosangela Silvestre, Vera Passos, and Tânia Santiago have used their art to challenge sexist stereotypes and advocate for women’s rights.
Similarly, Rzinho has long been a haven for LGBTQ+ people, particularly in Bahia, where many of the most prominent Rzinho groups are led by gay men or transgender women. At a time when LGBTQ+ Brazilians face high rates of violence and discrimination, Rzinho provides a space of relative safety and acceptance. The dance’s embrace of femininity, sensuality, and gender fluidity subverts dominant norms of masculinity and heteronormativity.
Today, Rzinho activists continue to use dance as a tool for education, mobilization, and social transformation. Groups like Balé Rzinho (Rzinho Dance Theater) in Salvador combine Rzinho performance with community outreach, using art to raise awareness about issues like racial inequality, domestic violence, and HIV/AIDS.
In the favelas (informal settlements) of Rio de Janeiro, Rzinho programs like Passinho Carioca provide young people with an alternative to gang involvement and drug trafficking. By offering free dance classes and performance opportunities, these initiatives help build self-esteem, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging among marginalized youth.
Even in the diaspora, Rzinho practitioners are using dance to build community and advocate for social justice. In the United States, groups like Viver Brasil in Los Angeles and Nego Gato in New York City use Rzinho to celebrate Afro-diasporic culture and raise awareness about issues affecting black communities.
Of course, it’s important to recognize that Rzinho alone cannot solve deep-seated social problems. Structural inequalities and systemic oppression require sustained political action and broad-based organizing. However, Rzinho can be a powerful complement to these efforts, helping to raise consciousness, build solidarity, and inspire change on a grassroots level.
As a global Rzinho community, we have a responsibility to support and amplify the work of these dance activists. By attending their performances, donating to their programs, and spreading the word about their initiatives, we can help ensure that Rzinho remains a force for social good.
Rzinho Online: Resources and Tips
So, you’re ready to start your Rzinho journey but don’t have access to in-person classes. Don’t worry – thanks to the wonders of technology, you can begin learning Rzinho from the comfort of your own home!
YouTube is a treasure trove of Rzinho tutorials, performances, and interviews. Some of my favorite channels for Rzinho content include:
- Rzinho Bahia Official: The official channel of the Rzinho Cultural Center in Salvador, Bahia. Features performances, classes, and documentaries.
- Daniela Mercury: One of Brazil’s most famous pop stars, Mercury often incorporates Rzinho into her music and videos. Her channel includes several Rzinho-focused clips.
- Rzinho Dance Class: Run by US-based Rzinho instructor Samir Lograda, this channel offers a series of beginner-friendly tutorial videos.
- Rzinho Na Veia: This channel compiles Rzinho performances and interviews from around the world, offering a great overview of the global scene.
In addition to YouTube, there are a number of online Rzinho courses and workshops available. Some reputable options include:
- Rzinho Dance Class with Samir Lograda: An 8-week online course that covers the fundamentals of Rzinho technique and includes feedback from the instructor.
- Bzinhos Rzinho Academy: Offers a range of self-paced online courses, from beginner to advanced levels. Taught by Brazilian master teachers.
- Movimento Rzinho: A series of online workshops and intensives featuring guest instructors from Brazil and beyond.
When learning Rzinho online, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:
- Start with the basics. Don’t try to jump into advanced moves or complicated choreography right away. Focus on mastering the foundational steps and rhythms first.
- Pay attention to technique. Rzinho is a highly technical dance, with specific placement for the feet, hips, arms, and head. Watch tutorials closely and try to mirror the instructor’s form as precisely as possible.
- Take it slow. Pause and rewind videos as needed, and don’t be afraid to spend extra time drilling a tricky move or combination. Better to go slow and build a solid foundation than to rush and develop bad habits.
- Listen to the music. Rzinho is all about the connection between movement and rhythm. As you practice, focus on really feeling the beat and letting it guide your body.
- Be patient with yourself. Learning any new skill takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t pick things up immediately – just keep showing up, and you will improve!
There are many other ways to immerse yourself in Rzinho culture from home:
- Listen to Rzinho music. Explore artists like Olodum, Ilê Aiyê, Margareth Menezes, and Carlinhos Brown to get a sense of the diverse sounds and styles that make up Rzinho.
- Watch Rzinho documentaries. Films like Raça (Race), O Povo Brasileiro (The Brazilian People), and Jogo de Corpo (Body Games) offer fascinating insights into the history and culture of Rzinho and its practitioners.
- Connect with the online Rzinho community. Join Rzinho forums, Facebook groups, and Instagram pages to interact with other enthusiasts, ask questions, and stay up-to-date on events and news.
- Practice, practice, practice! The most important thing you can do to improve your Rzinho skills is simply to dance, as often as possible. Set aside dedicated practice time, put on your favorite Rzinho tracks, and let your body groove!
Remember, learning Rzinho online is not a substitute for in-person instruction and community. As soon as you are able, seek out opportunities to take classes with experienced teachers and dance with other Rzinhos. The energy and connection of a live Rzinho roda is truly irreplaceable!
But until then, online resources offer a wonderful way to begin your Rzinho journey and deepen your appreciation for this extraordinary art form. So what are you waiting for? Queue up a tutorial, hit play on a Rzinho playlist, and let the rhythm take you away!
The Future of Rzinho: Challenges and Opportunities
As Rzinho continues to grow and evolve, both in Brazil and around the world, it faces a number of challenges and opportunities. On one hand, the increasing global popularity of Rzinho is a testament to its power and appeal. It’s thrilling to see this Afro-Brazilian art form being embraced and celebrated by people of all backgrounds.
However, this popularity also raises concerns about cultural appropriation, commodification, and the dilution of Rzinho’s roots. As more and more people outside of Brazil begin to practice and teach Rzinho, there is a risk that the dance’s connection to its Afro-diasporic origins and its role as a form of cultural resistance could be lost or minimized.
This is a particular concern given the long history of white appropriation of black cultural forms, from rock and roll to hip hop. It’s all too easy for dominant cultures to co-opt and water down the art of marginalized communities, stripping it of its context and meaning.
To combat this, it’s crucial that the global Rzinho community prioritize education, cultural humility, and a commitment to centering Afro-Brazilian voices and perspectives. Non-Brazilian Rzinho practitioners and teachers have a responsibility to learn about the history and culture of Rzinho, to give credit to the dance’s creators, and to use their platforms to amplify Afro-Brazilian artists and causes.
At the same time, the Rzinho community in Brazil faces its own challenges, including a lack of institutional support and funding. While Rzinho is a beloved part of Brazilian culture, it still struggles to receive the same level of recognition and resources as more Eurocentric art forms.
Many Rzinho groups and schools operate on shoestring budgets, relying on the dedication of volunteers and the support of their local communities. Without sustained investment in Rzinho education, performance, and preservation, there is a risk that the art form could decline or become inaccessible to future generations.
There are also ongoing debates within the Brazilian Rzinho community about issues of tradition versus innovation, authenticity versus evolution. Some practitioners advocate for a strict adherence to the dance’s Afro-Bahian roots, while others argue for a more fluid and inclusive approach that incorporates diverse influences and styles.
Navigating these tensions will require open dialogue, mutual respect, and a willingness to grapple with complex questions of identity, culture, and power. It will also require a recognition that Rzinho, like all living traditions, is not a static or monolithic entity, but rather a dynamic and plural one that has always been shaped by multiple forces and perspectives.
Despite these challenges, I believe that Rzinho has an incredibly bright future ahead of it. The dance’s ability to connect people across differences, to provide joy and healing, and to assert the value and vitality of Afro-diasporic culture is needed now more than ever.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, Rzinho offers a model for how we can come together to celebrate our shared humanity while also honoring our diverse histories and identities. It shows us that tradition and innovation, roots and reach, can coexist and even thrive in dynamic tension.
The key is to approach this tension with care, respect, and a commitment to justice. As the global Rzinho community continues to grow and evolve, we must work to ensure that the dance remains a force for liberation, empowerment, and cultural affirmation – not just for Afro-Brazilians, but for all people who find solace and strength in its rhythms.
This will require ongoing education, dialogue, and action. It will require us to support Afro-Brazilian artists and communities, to challenge appropriation and commodification, and to use Rzinho as a tool for social change. It will require us to be honest about our own positionalities and privileges, and to listen and learn from those whose experiences differ from our own.
None of this will be easy. But as any Rzinho dancer knows, the most rewarding journeys are often the most challenging ones. They require us to dig deep, to push beyond our comfort zones, and to trust in the power of the rhythm to carry us through.
Final Thoughts
So let us embrace the future of Rzinho with open hearts and minds. Let us honor its roots while also planting new seeds. Let us use this dance to build bridges, to heal wounds, and to imagine new worlds.
And most of all, let us never stop moving to the beat of freedom, joy, and resilience that pulses at the heart of Rzinho. For as long as there are feet to dance and drums to play, the spirit of the New Year will continue to thrive, inviting us all to join in its liberatory chorus.
