You Can't Beat a Well Executed Botafogo, Can You?

Something to brighten a gloomy February.

Part of the 2018 Rio Carnival, as magnificent as it is every year.

I particularly liked the "human sea" around the pirate boat.

 

I was interested to know from where came all the money that paid for all this. Apparently there are fourteen main samba schools each in a different district of Rio.

They each get a grant of around £130,000 from the local council to pay for the floats and costumes each year. They use a special warehouse the size of ten football pitches in which they build the floats.

It's estimated that the carnival generates £600M of business each time for the local economy.



This was interesting.

"British samba queen, Samantha Flores, 37, stole the show as she paraded down the Sambadrome avenue for the first time as the principal muse for Imperio de Tijuca on Friday (9 January). The Londoner was invited to take up the prestigious position for the group and the role placed her at the head of the procession in front of the first float."

 

For those unaware of what exactly is a botafogo.

I looked for a serious example on YouTube and found this.

"Focus on Leg Work in Samba Dance."

Unfortunately the cameraman lost the plot within a few seconds!

 

I think I'll have a go at a Botafogo after my tea

 

We want a video!

Here's a real demonstration.
The lovely Aliona Vilani.



To be fair, it's harder for the Brazilian girls with those heavy costumes, boots and "wings." In reality, most just perform a basic samba step, because they know few will be actually looking at their feet.