Para Onde O Samba Me Leva
[Where Samba May Take Me] World Premiere 2017
In memory of Joselita Moreira da Cruz Silva (October 9, 1936-March 24, 2016)
Pra Onde O Samba Me Leva pays homage to the great sambadeira, Joselita Moreira da Cruz Silva, affectionately known as Zelita, whose life was dedicated to the preservation and continuity of samba from the Reconcavo (interior) region of Bahia. Bahian choreographer Vera Passos explores the steps and rhythms of the samba chula style with the intensity in which the late Zelita lived her life- with joy, playfulness and a deep corporeal connection to her African ancestry.
Choreography Vera Passos
Music Arrangement by Simon Carroll, Kahlil Cummings and Bobby Easton featuring samba chulas from Samba das Raparigas with lyrics by Zelita Moreira da Cruz Silva
Costume Design Rosalida Medina
Dancers Laila Abdullah, Bianca Medina, Ashley Blanchard, Samad Guerra, Rachel Hernandez, Marina Magalhães, Ajah Muhammad, Vera Passos, and Nagodè Simpson
Singers Emina Shimanuki & Felicia “Onyi” Richards
Musicians Luiz Badaró (percussion), Simon Carroll (percussion), Kahlil Cummings (percussion), Bobby Easton (acoustic and electric guitar), Alberto Lopez (percussion), Fabio Santana de Souza (trombone, cavaquinho, acoustic guitar)
