BRAZIL

- Fun in Rio, part 2

May - July, 2000

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Also while around so many people from the circus, I had a chance to learn to spit fire. Normally this takes a while of practicing to get right before actually using the fuel, but, a little scarily, I was blowing flame from my mouth within the hour. A small risk is that you might not do it right, and maybe burn your lips and face. A much larger risk is that you might, after blowing out most of the air in your lungs, decide to inhale at the wrong time and suck the fire directly into your lungs - and die.


I tried to always keep this in mind.


Then with a little practice, I was able to control the distance of the flame without burning myself.


While in Brazil I took the opportunity to learn Capoeira. It's an Afro-Brazilian cross between a dance form and a martial art form. Briefly, the black slaves from Angola, Africa brought with them their art. While in slavery in Brazil, they were naturally not allowed to practice any form of self defence. So they developed a style of dance, utilising movements and musical instruments from their home country. This was of no concern to the slave owners, as it gave the slaves a release from the repression. However, the slaves, while out of sight of the owners, began to incorporate hidden movements like kicks and throws, and fighting with weapons etc. Hence the formation of Capoeira.


Many of the movements involve, but are by no means limited to, attacking and defending close to the ground. They don't call this 'fighting' - they call it 'playing', as it is with fun, jest and a smile on the face that the couples interact, and where trickery is a speciality and a delight to all those who watch.

Here I am standing on my hands while balancing on my head. I am waiting for the girl at left to maybe attempt to kick my hands or head, but if she gets too close, she might end up with a bit of shoe rubber on her teath. This is the concept, however in this club, we always try to protect our partner by staying within our limits.

Here I am trying to put my foot in her face again. However in Capoeira defensive movements are often attacks in disguise. As she dodges under my leg, she nears and will probably use her other leg to sweep my supporting foot from under me, which would just induce another reaction from me, etc.


Night-time always brings out the best in fire...


Don't you think?

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