Capoeira dance has been quite fashionable in Paris for some time now. Not only can you take classes if you want to practice yourself, but you can also see it performed in the street, just like I did in Montmartre. Most people don't know that this "dance" - I understand it was more a martial art - was "invented" by the slaves brought to Brazil by the Portuguese (I'm sure that Monica can tell us more about Capoeira!). It's quite impressive to see anyway. Let me take advantage of this post to refer you to Knol for the first time, as this new Google thing was launched today;)
What an amazing shot! And I was so sure it was going to be a doorknob. Should have known, because it's our hero, Eric.
ReplyDeleteAnd is this the Brazilian version of break dancing -- only better?
ReplyDeleteAnd I guess Knol is kinda like Wickipedia -- only it looks better too! Thanks for the heads-up.
ReplyDeleteSo where is everyone?
ReplyDeleteLooks like limbo without the pole.
ReplyDeleteThis photo should come with a warning: Do not try this at home!
ReplyDeleteGreat action shot! The things you can do while asleep, Eric, amazing ;)
ReplyDeleteI am so clumsy, that if I tried something like this, I am sure that I would be covered from head to toe in bruises. I don't even disco. Sometimes, it is even dangerous for me to walk.
ReplyDeleteI was all ready for the doorknob photos and have a story all lined up:
If there is a "doorknob" my arm will find it and hit it. I was thinking maybe I should remove all the doorknobs in my apartment. Then someone said, No Lois, then you would run into the door. Well, I would remove all the doors. No Lois, then you would hit the wall.
Montmartre ? Or they have organised a Copacabana section on Paris Plage ? Great photo Eric. Have a nice weekend to all, Loic http://brohardphotography.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteand yet, Lois, you are standing so close to that Chihuly glass exhibit, now I'm getting nervous ;)
ReplyDeleteThis looks like something for the young of heart and back.
ReplyDeleteKnol..I knew that it would just be am matter of time before Google went after Wikipedia. Google is out to rule the world - call Mulder and Scully now!
Tomate, That wasn't my brainy idea. I was standing far away; and then Katie, said, "Lois stand over there." What? Me? I was so very nervous -- as soon as she took the photo, I moved far away again. I have been known to buy glasses for a dinner party; and not even be able to get out of the store without breaking them. Once I didn't even take a step from the cashier's counter. I looped the bag strap over my arm and turned -- smack -- all those glasses hit the cashier's counter as I whirled around. whoa! :-s How did that happen?
ReplyDeletenote to self: use extreme caution in selecting meet up place with lois...
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic shot Eric!
ReplyDeleteYou pretty much said it all, it was indeed a type of african fight brought to Brazil by the slaves. Over the years it was not used as a fight anymore, but as a type of dance, which is how it is practiced nowadays. I wish this photo had a sound along with it because the "Berimbau", a musical instrument that is played while the movements are performed and actually gives it its rythm, has a fantastic swing that makes us want to move along. Also, in the past they used a big knife while playing it so it was amazing to see how they can perform the movements and not get hurt by the knife. This practise was forbidden for many years for it was considered " subversive".
I can´t play the Capoeira though. I´m not very good at the typical dancing rythms of my country!
Eric, wow you got this young man in flight! That in itself is amazing. After watching the video clips directed from your post, I'm even more amazed by the physical skills and body control of those who can Capoeira.
ReplyDeleteMonica...I knew you could add to this latest "ancient" dance craze. Strange how some things take forever to catch on, eh?
As for me, I've got the grace of Lois on a unicycle being chased by a pack of wild dogs while balancing Chihuly glass on her head down Lombard Street. :-)
Big Hugs to you Lois! While I probably will never be able to Capoeira, "I CAn REAd POE!" [Geez!...almost an anagram.]
:-)
Alexa...I see you are enjoying the GF crown for another day. As Rod Stewart might say "You wear it well!" Psst! BTW Rose will take care of any cleaning bills.
Just went to YouTube & there are a few videos of Capoeira there. Wow. While I'm not as klutzy as Lois claims to be ;~} I could do yoga until I'm blue in the face (and I usually am by the end of the class), and never ever be able to come close to this!
ReplyDeleteAnd Lois, you crack me up!
I love it, love it, love it, love it. This picture became one of my favorite at the first sight. This movement, this body...
ReplyDeleteNothing to add(for one of the first time)...it's just stunning.
(I advice you Eric, to try Le Truc Café, rue du Poteau, métro Jules Joffrin. J'en reviens et c'est parfait pour les soirs d'été (sauf quand il pleut!), c'est un bar à vin avec un vrai jardin extérieur...)
Bonne nuit!
this man is amazing! & so is this photo.
ReplyDeleteMerci Eric!
What an action shot, wow!
ReplyDeleteWOW!! You even got his shadow! That is an amazing shot, Eric. I am totally blown away, but the photographer as well as the dancer. He definitely can dance!
ReplyDeleteVery cool!
Amazing shot! And thanks for the link to Knol. Good info. Love how much I learn visiting your site!
ReplyDeleteYep, well said Ms M...I am always learning when I visit PDP! Great shot Eric. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing that out, Christie. The shadow's really cool.
ReplyDeleteSo Eric, did you give it a try? Just to unwind?
Didn't think so.
Lois, when you and I meet for a cocktail I'll bring the paper cups. I love your story: doorknob/door/wall.
Does this mean I have to stop doing the Macarena at parties?
ReplyDeleteHaving checked out a couple videos it looks like this "dance" is way beyond following dance steps and more like kick-ass, kinetic, full-body sculptures through time, space, and spirit.
To answer Alexa's question that she posed in her fourth comment above, "So where is everyone?" I was where I would wish you all. In the company of some superlative PDP fans. In this case in Petrea's fantabulicious Pasadena along with the buoyant Pont Girl; carry-me-away Carrie; and the irrepressible Katie.
Again: Thanks to Eric (I was getting a little tired of the Macarena anyway).
Coltrane, you are really funny. And sweet -- merci. I like the "Psst! BTW Rose will take care of any cleaning bills." Good one!
ReplyDeleteUSelaine, "note to self: use extreme caution in selecting meet up place with lois..." I have a futon sofa in the living room and when friends and relatives come to visit, I tell them to make themselves at home because it turns into a double bed. I found out last night that the bed flips over. I fell off of it 2 or 3 times. I have a bruise on my temple, arms, and leg. Why hasn't anyone told me that it will flip you on the floor? I told my daughter what happened. She has camped out on the futon in the past and she said -- "yeah, I KNOW!" This is horrible! You hear that Cali? That was going to be your bed when you were coming to visit me.
Alexa, Merci, you are funny too. I love your stories.
Monica, Merci for sharing the in-depth comment about this dance and it's history.
Christie, I agree -- that shadow is really something else -- WOW!
Petrea, plastic wine glasses work -- I almost never break those :)
BIG SHOUT OUT TO THE PDP GANG IN PASADENA
We had such a good time! It was hard to say goodbye at the end of the day. I loved playing tour guide. We talked about all of you with such fondness. How about that? Every single one of you was in Pasadena today. It was hot, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteI'm exhausted. Good night!
Dear Lois: Raincheck? ;-)
ReplyDeleteI love capoeira -- wish I knew how to post links to videos. Its like ballet -- very demanding stuff. Great photo, Eric.
ReplyDeletePetrea and Lois -- my ribs hurt almost as much as Tall Gary's from laughing. I had such a good time in Pasadena today meeting Katie and seeing Tall Gary, Pont Girl and Petrea again. Katie is exuberant and fun and interesting. I love the ether(eal) connections that spring from our posts. And, Eric, it's all thanks to you.
You know, when we get together, its not just all naming snails after you, we really want you to be happy and un-yoked! From someone who knows what its like to so "whelmed" that it makes you not want to get out of bed, I love the doorknob idea. I think it would be a funny, lovely week that would go down in PDP history. Heck, you could just take seven shots of the bedroom ceiling and we'd all be glad you were recharging your batteries. (Photo Essay: Parisian Ceiling 1 Thru 7). (Knowing you, they'd all be stunning and, of course, they'd all be taken from your trademark ET lying down position.) So, go for it!!
Oh wait until Monica and Rose get a view of this!
ReplyDeleteFantastic shot, Eric! Just fabulous. Thanks for the link too. Fascinating.
ReplyDeleteYou'll find dance on Menton DP today too - perhaps not quite as energetic as yours tho!
Wow! Great angle Eric especially as he is free from ground touch completely. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteCapoeira classes are being offered here in Manila too — I keep passing by a particular sign coming home from work. But I haven't seen an exhibition/performance yet. Sounds interesting, though, if it started as a martial art.
ReplyDeleteI think that Capoeira wanna show the power of the human physical force.
ReplyDeleteGood action shot, Eric.
Valery
Barcelona Daily Photo
Michael, I saw this picture last night. I think it´s one of Eric´s best photos!
ReplyDeleteGuille, does this mean you are you back in Paris?
even looking at it,makes my back hurt
ReplyDeleteGreat shot Eric. I think he is in motion doing a back flip or the finish of a front flip? Hot pavement, hard pavement, no thanks!
ReplyDeleteI could do that, but I don't like to show off :)
ReplyDeleteGood one Nikon.
ReplyDeleteSomehow I missed the whole doorknob thing, what does it all mean? Do you guys think Eric needs a break, Is that why he is going to the country because things have been rough lately? (I bet those country photos will be spectacular though)I'm sorry to be a bother, I really do try & keep up.
Merci for the update on Obama Eric, have a peaceful day Sunday.
Amazing action shot, Eric!
ReplyDeleteYes, an amazing photo. He appears to be pulled up by his waist by an invisible string. Very clever chap. The history of the dance, and Monica's additional comments lend some sanity to the pose. I wonder if he landed on his hands or his feet.
ReplyDelete