Classroom
20 moves to get you dancing Brazilian Forró. Watch the videos, practice at home, then come to a lesson to try it!
Balanço
(The sway)
Soften your knees and sway side to side with the beat. That little bounce is the heart of forró, long before any turns.
English lessons.
Dois pra lá, dois pra cá
(Two and two)
Step side, together, side, together, then back the other way. Two left, two right. Every other move starts here.
English lessons.
Abraço
(The embrace)
Stand close. One hand holds theirs, the other rests on their back. Stay soft, look at them, and keep the hug kind for both of you.
Abertura lateral
(Side opening)
From the hug, open to the side like a door, then come back in. This hinge is how you set up almost every turn.
English lessons.
Caminhada
(The walk)
Travel forward and back together, instead of staying in one spot. Same rhythm, smaller steps, and suddenly you're moving round the room.
English lessons.
Giro simples
(Simple turn)
Raise a hand and invite your partner into one easy spin, then swap places. Slow, light, and right on the music.
English lessons.
Giro do cavalheiro
(Leader's turn)
Your turn under the arm. Your partner keeps the frame steady while you spin, then you land back in the hug.
English lessons first.
Chuveirinho
(Little shower)
Hands shower over the top and your partner passes across in front of you. It's the little bridge into loads of other steps.
Chave de braço
(Arm lock)
Guide their arm into a gentle hook, turn together, then let it go. If it feels tight, you are holding too much.
English lessons first.
Namorinho
(Little flirt)
Rock in close, almost cheek to cheek, then open out again. A tiny flirt, and one of the sweetest bits of the dance.
Xique-xique
(Little stamp)
A bouncy little stamp between your partner's feet, like a private cheer. Stay on your toes and keep it playful, not heavy.
Enroladinho
(Little wrap)
Your partner wraps into your arm, you turn together, then you unwrap. A spinning hug that lets go at the end.
Costas com costas
(Back to back)
Slip past each other until you are briefly back to back, then come round face to face. It draws a soft figure eight.
English lessons.
Pião
(Spin together)
Stay in the hug and spin together on the spot, like a top. Tiny steps, shared balance, then settle home.
English lessons.
Portinha
(Little door)
Build a little doorway with your arms and let your partner step through. Open, they pass, you meet again.
Giro duplo
(Double turn)
The simple spin, twice. Your partner turns two full times before you reconnect. Give the second turn plenty of time.
Bom dia
(Good morning)
Duck your head through the arms as you pass, like a cheerful good morning. Keep it gentle on necks and shoulders.
Aviãozinho
(Little plane)
Open your arms and turn together, like a tiny plane rolling past. Balance first. Wings are just for fun.
English lessons first.
Giro solto
(Free turn)
Let go, spin on your own for a beat, then find their hand again. A little freedom, still dancing as a pair.
Túnel
(The tunnel)
Your partner travels through a tunnel made by your arms, then pops out the other side. Slow hands, clear path.