Frevo from Recife: Quick Steps with a Little Umbrella

Frevo is a carnival dance from Recife, Brazil, recognized by UNESCO, danced with a small colorful umbrella and very fast footwork. It makes a high-energy warm-up for ankles, knees and balance.

How to play

1. Free jog around the space to instrumental frevo music, umbrella up high (2 min).
2. Basic steps in place: alternate toe and heel taps and quick knee bends, keeping the umbrella balanced (2 min).
3. Scissors: small hop opening and closing crossed legs, slow first and then on tempo (2 min).
4. Zigzag traveling with the umbrella twirling in your hand; freeze in a pose when the music cuts (2 min).
5. In pairs, one makes up a four-count step and the other copies it; then switch (2 min).

Rules

• Keep the umbrella closed, or open above shoulder height, never at face level near others.
• Low hops and soft landings on the balls of the feet.
• When the music stops, freeze in place, no pushing.
• Everyone picks their own jump height.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility: mark the steps with arms and umbrella from the wheelchair and lead the poses.
• Ankle injury: swap hops for knee bends and arm work.
• Hesitant students: start in the back row and choose their partner for the last step.

Learning goals

• Raise body temperature with fast footwork.
• Improve dynamic balance while handling an object.
• Learn about a carnival dance from northeastern Brazil.

Equipment for a class of 25

• small umbrellas or fans: 15
• speaker: 1

Teacher tip

No small umbrellas? Paper fans or scarves work. Tell students many frevo steps come from capoeira and that the umbrella helped dancers keep their balance.

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