A perfect day, really: sunny but not too hot. The beaches and bikeways are packed, and people seem in the mood to dance the day away. In some cases literally.
On Granville Island, a tuxedoed busker serenades the crowd with French ballads. A young couple finds just the right tempo to dance to his songs, and because they’re good, because they can really dance, their performance enchants the surrounding audience. They, however, only have eyes for each other as they dance among the pigeons and the children, perfectly in step and, you’d guess, in love. If it wasn’t all happening spontaneously, it would seem way too hokey. But it isn’t, of course. It’s a Sunday afternoon on Granville Island.
Not too far away, on Kits Beach, another kind of dance. I’m not really sure who they were or what they do, but here’s the scene:
In amongst the beautiful bodies, seated in a circle, half-dressed in white, chanting to the beat of some oddly shaped instruments, these young people from a myriad of races watch two of their own engage in what seems to be a highly choreographed version of martial arts. “Dance fighting,” says one of the observers.
Whatever it is (something Brazilian, perhaps), it’s perfect for Kits Beach.
Oh man, I love this city in the sunshine.
Finally!
Portland welcomes you to the blogosphere.
The dance/martial art is Capoeria, it’s a Brazilian slave martial art. They weren’t allowed to practice fighting, so they blended it with dancing. It’s beautiful and incredibly athletic. It’s been increasing in popularity locally, and there are a number of schools in Vancouver.
Looks like capoeira, the Brazilian martial arts dance form
Nice site. If you get the chance please take a look at my new site at http://www.greenhouse-heaters.info
This is very nice and informative post. I have bookmarked your site in order to find out your post in the future.