Fado is the best...
Director José Machado Pais
Countries Brazil, Portugal
Duration 33 min
Synopsis
In Quissamã, in the region of Norte Fluminense (Rio de Janeiro State), there exists a variety of fado which dates back to the times of the sugar mills, “big houses” and slave dormitories. Although some sources trace it back to the final quarter of the 18th century, its origins are shrouded in mystery. It is sometimes claimed to be a descendant from the quadrilles brought by the Portuguese king, Dom João VI, when he brought the court to Brazil. These quadrilles were performed at the entertainments of the colonial masters, and then recreated by slaves and servants. Others point to a possible descent from the vira, a Portuguese folk dance, whilst yet others see it as derived from a “black fandango”. But the myth with the strongest popular roots claims that “fado is from God!” For the fadistas, Jesus himself came to the region with a guitar and tambourine under his arm, which is why the fado is danced in a cross formation. Guitars and tambourines accompany this fado, which is a form of both dance and song – sometimes in an improvised dialogue. Albeit with variations, the dance has evolved into formations of four people (two men and two women), with pairs crossing over after rhythmic tapping and clapping by the men (who formerly wore clogs). The women dance along by spinning and gently swaying.
In Quissamã, in the region of Norte Fluminense (Rio de Janeiro State), there exists a variety of fado which dates back to the times of the sugar mills, “big houses” and slave dormitories. Although some sources trace it back to the final quarter of the 18th century, its origins are shrouded in mystery. It is sometimes claimed to be a descendant from the quadrilles brought by the Portuguese king, Dom João VI, when he brought the court to Brazil. These quadrilles were performed at the entertainments of the colonial masters, and then recreated by slaves and servants. Others point to a possible descent from the vira, a Portuguese folk dance, whilst yet others see it as derived from a “black fandango”. But the myth with the strongest popular roots claims that “fado is from God!” For the fadistas, Jesus himself came to the region with a guitar and tambourine under his arm, which is why the fado is danced in a cross formation. Guitars and tambourines accompany this fado, which is a form of both dance and song – sometimes in an improvised dialogue. Albeit with variations, the dance has evolved into formations of four people (two men and two women), with pairs crossing over after rhythmic tapping and clapping by the men (who formerly wore clogs). The women dance along by spinning and gently swaying.