Passinho Foda

Passinho Foda: A Dance of Cultural Resistance and Expression

About

Passinho is a contemporary dance style that emerged in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro during the early 2000s. It blends influences from Funk music, African heritage, and diverse cultural practices, making it a vibrant symbol of identity, creativity, and resilience for Brazilian youth.

Autoria: Hugo Oliveira

Historical Background

The dance originated within the Funk music scene, where dancers became key figures animating parties. While initially overshadowed by MCs and DJs, the rise of Passinho gave these performers a central role. The first recognized bonde (dance crew) dedicated to Passinho was Imperadores da Dança, founded in Jacarezinho in 2006. The dance gained momentum through bondes, viral videos like Passinho Foda, and discussions on platforms like Orkut.

Passinho’s roots reflect the hybrid cultural landscape of Rio's favelas. Influences range from African dances, Samba, and Capoeira to modern styles like Hip-Hop and Kuduro. Its development was shaped by street battles, choreographies, and the fusion of traditional and contemporary movements.

Cultural Significance

Passinho is more than a dance; it is a collective expression of joy, resilience, and identity. It highlights the creativity of favela youth, blending leisure with cultural innovation. Its informal origins in parties and online communities reflect its accessibility and inclusive nature.

Key to its cultural impact are its rodas (dance circles), where performers duel, innovate, and socialize. These gatherings foster technical refinement and aesthetic evolution, perpetuating the dance’s dynamic nature.

Influences and Evolution

Passinho incorporates movements and aesthetics from:

• Traditional Brazilian styles: Samba, Frevo, Capoeira.
• Contemporary global styles: Popping, Breaking, Tutting, and Kuduro.

The dance continues to evolve, fueled by social interactions, online platforms, and new generations of dancers.

Key Figures and Groups

• Notable Dancers (Relíquias): Innovators like Baianinho, Gambá, and Gabá shaped Passinho’s foundations.
• Prominent Crews: Groups that have popularized the style:
  • Imperadores da Dança,
  • Os Quebradeira Pura, and
  • Os Mister Passistas.

The Development of Passinho: From Leisure to Cultural Phenomenon

Passinho dance evolved from years of cultural convergence in the favelas and the city of Rio de Janeiro. Its growth was driven by everyday practices, bonde choreographies, duels, and online discussions, culminating in what is now known as Passinho Foda.

Despite its aesthetic beauty, strength, and growing prominence, Passinho continues to develop day by day, perpetually fueling a cycle of phenomenal virtuosity. The dance is a product of social encounters, leisure activities, and moments of sociability among youth in carioca favelas. Fun and enjoyment remain the guiding principles of its stories and evolution.

Basic Passinho Dance Moves

Below are some foundational moves of Passinho, along with their origin or creator where known:

• Agachadinha – Squatting movement.
• Arrastada – Sliding footwork.
• Bate Bola 3D – Inspired by the spinning motion of clóvis costumes. Origin: Gardênia Azul. Creator: Gabá.
• Beyblade – A spinning movement on the heel. Creator: Richard RD.
• Caída/Caidinha/Caidão – Transition from standing to lower levels. Origin: Cidade de Deus. Creators: Os Quebradeira Pura.
• Cruzada/Meia Cruzada/Cruzada para Trás – Alternating leg crossings, front or back. Creator: Dieguinho da Tirol (Taquara).
• Deslizada – Sliding foot movements, similar to Popping techniques.
• Quadradinho – Reproducing the shape of a square with hip movements.

(Note: A full list of moves and their descriptions continues in the original document.)

Evaluation Criteria for Passinho

Although not yet standardized, the following criteria are often considered in evaluating Passinho performances:

1. Dance Basics – Proficiency in Passinho steps.
2. Manha – Individual style and identity brought to the dance.
3. Combos – Creative combinations of dance moves.
4. Charisma – The dancer’s interaction with and impact on the audience.

Spaces of Practice and Dissemination

Key locations for Passinho include the sidewalks of Madureira, Manguinhos skate park, and Arena Dicró. These spaces serve as hubs for training, battles, and community interaction, connecting dancers across the city.

Current Status

Passinho has transitioned from local dance battles to stages worldwide, while maintaining its roots in favela culture. Documentaries such as A Batalha do Passinho (2012) have brought international attention, showcasing the dance as a vibrant expression of urban culture.

---

References

• DOMINGOS, Emílio. Movie: A Batalha do Passinho (2012).
• OLIVEIRA, Hugo. Handbook of Content and References for the Theoretical Passinho Exam. Dance Professionals Union of the State of Rio de Janeiro (2019).
• OLIVEIRA, Hugo. Book: OLIVEIRA, Hugo Silva de. Vem ni mim que eu sou Passinho: A Dança Passinho na confluência entre: Redes Sociais, Arte e Cidade. 2017.