The word ‘encantado’ (enchantment) summons up wondrous visions. In Brazil, it also refers to another way of perceiving the world, animated by unknown forces that move between heaven and earth with magical healing powers.

Drawn from Lia Rodrigues’ work in one of the largest favelas (shanty town) in Rio de Janeiro, this visually arresting piece uses over 140 vibrant blankets to clothe the ensemble of dancers and features indigenous Brazilian music to present another possible vision of the world, bringing people together and making magic out of the darkness.

About the contender:

Lia Rodrigues trained in classical ballet and established the Lia Rodrigues Companhia de Dancas in Rio de Janeiro in 1990. Since 2004 Lia Rodrigues has been developing educational and artistic activities in Favela de Maré in Rio de Janeiro, in partnership with the NGO Redes da Maré. From this collaboration the Centro de Artes da Maré (where the company is based) was established in 2009, followed by the Maré Free Dance School in 2011.

Image description: The image is a mess of fabric and people. It is full of movement as eleven performers swish fabrics of orange, blue, pink and green around. All are facing the camera with expressions of passion and excitement.
Header image © Sammi Landweer