"Techniques to loosen the hips and samba in society’s face. Training to the sound of funk and other Afro rhythms that will stimulate sexuality, sensuality, and improvisation.” This description can be found on a flyer for the Afrofunk workshop.
Already a success with women in Rio de Janeiro, the workshop recently arrived in São Paulo in April.
During two hours of class, carioca actress and dancer Taísa Machado, 30, teaches women, and even a few men— heterosexual men are not welcome—to do dances that involve a lot of "booty shaking,” and hip rolling.
“I mainly liked the comparisons that Taísa made between the current movements of funk and African culture,” said lawyer Sofia Melo, 25, who participated in a São Paulo workshop.
For Taísa, the feminist discussions of the last few years and the increase in funk music with a feminine perspective, make women seek her classes.
“There is a greater interest from women to seek calmer sexual energy, without a lot of neuroses. The women want to feel hot and naughty,” she said.
For her, women who shake their behinds still are viewed positively because of society’s racism and machismo.
“Booty shaking for me symbolizes independence and power,” she declared.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon