Discipulos Do Ritmo

Opening Show Act Red Bull BC One Brazil, 2006
Website: www.discipulosdoritmo.com

DISCIPULOS DO RITMO (Disciples of Rhythm) is a Brazilian Street Dance Company based in São Paulo founded by director and choreographer Frank Ejara. After studying the origins and foundations of street dance for several years, Eiara decided in 1999, to form his own dance company: He brought together some of the best dancers he had met in Hip Hop, a culture which he had been a part of since 1984. DISCIPULOS DO RITMO always focused on the stage and on dance in a professional manner, trying to conquer the space that used to be exclusively occupied by ballet and contemporary dance troupes.

In 2000, DISCIPULOS DO RITMO teamed up with Ballet Stagium to work together in the performance "À margem dos trilhos" ("On the border of the tracks"), with which they toured around Brazil, giving them needed experience. In 2001, after contacting the Goethe Institute, DISCIPULOS DO RITMO began to work with the German dancer and choreographer Storm, a dancer widely known and recognized in the Hip Hop world. He choreographed the show "Tá Limpo!" (“ It’s Fresh!”) This choreography opened doors abroad for the company. The same year, DISCIPULOS DO RITMO opened for Storm's solo performance in Argentina, and in 2002 and 2003 they toured around Europe and were the highlight at La Villete's Festival in France.

In 2003, DISCIPULOS DO RITMO were invited to participate in “Dança em Pauta,” a dance showcase organized by Cultural Center Banco do Brasil and the dance critic and journalist Ana Francisca Ponzio. Ana proposed a partnership between DISCIPULOS DO RITMO and the contemporary dance choreographer Henrique Rodovalho, director of the renowned group Quasar. Together, they created "Fresta" (“Breach”), a choreography which freely combines powerful street dance moves with the nuanced ones of contemporary dance.

"Fresta" was the highlight at La Villete's Festival, in 2004, and the troupe toured with it in France. This partnership with Henrique Rodovalho worked equally well for both partners. After their first project together, Quasar invited DISCIPULOS DO RITMO to participate in their new choreography O+ (“O-Positive”.)

DISCIPULOS DO RITMO continued creatively and in 2004, Frank Ejara created the choreography "Urbanóides" (“Urbanoids”), which toured in Brazil. In 2006, the company was invited by Storm, who had already worked with them in "Tá Limpo," to create a new show: "Geometronomics." It was a big success, and was performed in Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. A cultural agency, Moov’n Aktion, now represents DISCIPULOS DO RITMO overseas.

Today, DISCIPULOS DO RITMO continues their challenge to show urban dance in a fun and professional manner for all. Whether it’s on stage or in the classroom, teaching the foundations of this culture, they enrich Brazilian dance and popularize the country on the international dance scene.

DISCIPULOS DO RITMO consists of the four dancers Frank Ejara, Bidu, Flip, and Jeff. They are proud to be the opening act at the RED BULL BC ONE in Sao Paolo. Their performance will be a mixture of different Hip Hop Dance forms such as popping, locking, and boogaloo. Fulfilling a long-time dream, they will dance to the beats of TUCA E MELL, a female Brazilian drum/percussion duo. Get ready for an outstanding performance!