As I mentioned in the earlier post about the military camp enactment, there were many performances going on all over the historic district (the main tourist center) in Braga. Many of them were dance performances. We especially liked this one: a beautifully choreographed dance in several sequences by four "Roman" maidens.
The dancing was accompanied by haunting music performed by three musicians who sang and played special instruments. The group's name is
Dorahoag, and
here is a
YouTube site where you can hear the three men of the group play a very similar sounding piece of music. They create their own music in fusion with other music. Really wonderful.
Here you see two of the men from
Dorahoag with a woman who is playing an instrument that — sadly — I can't name:
And then the marvelous dancers! You can see such grace in all their movements:
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There were other dance performances by belly dancers, which I will share in a later post.
How about you? Do you like dance performances? Do you like music that fuses more than one genre? What is your favorite music?
Music and dance are such an intricate part of so many cultures. And one of the earliest forms of communication I suspect.
ReplyDeleteI am on the outer here (and regret it). Music isn't part of my life in any significant way. I don't dislike it (unless it is loud) but I don't need it either.
Hi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI have been travelling so I saw belly dancing in Turkey and Flamingo dancing in Spain. And also many other types of dancing and singing. In Portugal, I heard their native music which is known as Fado.
Great post!
Elephant's Child, I think you are right. I suspect music even came before poetry. Some kind of beat, and then a tune. It's so primal. I think music is much like an acquired taste: the more you are exposed, the more your ear tunes into what to listen to. You should explore a little more, because music also taps into one's deepest feelings: that old adage: "Thoughts too deep for words . . ." Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteHi, Nas, you hit on three things that have really touched us: belly dancing, which is easily as demanding and captivating as ballet (and which will be in my next post); Flamenco dancing, which is so passionate and deeply moving; and Fado, which we find so emotionally stirring. (In fact, I've posted about Fado a few times and treasure the fact that I personally know two fadistas. I'm glad you've had an opportunity to experience all three.
ReplyDeleteThe dancing sounds amazing! Your husband and you have some wonderful experiences on your trips. Thanks for sharing them with us.
ReplyDeleteHi, Natalie, yes, we are grateful for these experiences. It all came about because I decided to write a mystery based in Braga, Portugal, and so needed to do some research. When we went the first time, we made some wonderful friends, and they all kept telling us about this festival. This festival really is an amazing event. I'm glad you enjoy the posts.
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting post about your travels! These performances sound very moving. My experience was a wonderful evening in Grenada Spain where we ate dinner while flamenco dancers performed. A great memory. Thanks for sharing a taste of another culture. If only we all could have such graceful movements and musical talent!
ReplyDeleteHi, Kenda. Moving is a good description on all accounts. We liked this one so much we watched it two days in a row. The grace and "storytelling" of the dance was captivating. I would so love to see live Flamenco dancing. I've seen several videos, but I know seeing it live would be even more exciting. Perhaps one day . . .
ReplyDeleteYou're lucky to have such a great photographer traveling with you! This sounds like a really fun day. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteHi, Rosi. True. I always like to share Rajan's photos because they really do come out better than mind. The festival is actually four days, with things going on all day and in the evenings, too. Both times we've left Braga exhausted! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh this does look wondrous.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sandra. "Wondrous." Such a good way to put it. It really was. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeletethe very idea that we can sort of time-travel and witness a dance form Roman times... oh, my.
ReplyDeleteHi, Mirka. What a cool way to put it. It really is a sort of time-travel, isn't it! Have a great day.
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