In the bustling neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro’s favelas, a vibrant dance style known as passinho has been making waves since the 2000s. Born out of creativity and shared on social media, passinho has become an integral part of Brazil’s cultural landscape, celebrated for its energy and innovation.
Passinho originated with young kids in the favelas, who infused elements from various dance styles like Brazilian funk, break dancing, samba, and capoeira. They experimented with different moves, showcasing their skills at local parties and sharing videos online. As social media platforms like Orkut and YouTube gained popularity, passinho quickly spread across favelas, inspiring a competitive dance scene where youths learned from each other and pushed boundaries.
For many dancers like Walcir de Oliveira, passinho is not just a hobby but a way of life. It provides joy, opportunities for livelihood, and a sense of community. Through passinho battles organized by producer Julio Ludemir, dancers had a platform to showcase their talent and gain recognition. These events also helped passinho transcend its origins in the favelas, reaching mainstream audiences in Brazil and even internationally.
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