Abstract
This thesis discusses the idiosyncratic qualities of frevo dance - or passo. It adopts micro and macro perspectives and was developed based on the principle that the most effective way to unravel the uniqueness of this Brazilian dance is through examination of the common characteristics shared by the dance itself, the dancers and the cultural contexts in which they exist.Frevo is situated geographically and culturally, its relevance as a research topic justified, a political critique of the concept of ‘folk dance’ and ‘folklore’ provided, and the consequences of frevo being regarded as a ‘folk’, ‘carnival’ and ‘street-dance’ addressed, in order to demonstrate why frevo should be divested, of such derogatory labels, and be regarded and analysed as a genuine classical Brazilian dance. The general characteristics of Pernambucan carnival, its growth in size and social importance, as well as the increased popularity of Brazilian Northeast folk-popular arts are presented. Francisco do Nascimento’s career as a frevo dancer and teacher and his legacy for frevo dance history are detailed; and the principles, objectives and structure of his dance teaching method discussed. Answers to questions concerning what frevo means to amateur and professional passistas [frevo dancers], and their feelings when dancing are illustrated using extensive quotations from oral testimony of practitioners. The thesis uses research methods such as in-depth interviews conducted with leading frevo dancers and teachers in Recife, the distribution of questionnaires to dancers, attendance at dance classes, observation and video-recording presentations, and critical analysis of historical and journalistic sources about frevo, carnival and Brazilian culture. The choreological study of frevo dancing is presented using Labanotation in conjunction with Laban Movement Analysis, as well as the guidelines of Susan Foster for reading dance. Finally, fundamental characteristics shared by frevo, passistas, carnival and Brazilian culture are underlined and conclusions drawn.