SCENARIOS, CONTEXTS AND PROTAGONISTS OF JAZZ DANCE IN RIO GRANDE, BRAZIL

Abstract

We aim to identify the historical conditions that allowed the existence of Jazz Dance in Rio Grande (RS, Brazil), its characters, professional trajectories, influences and perspectives for Jazz Dance’s contemporary scene. Therefore, five professional dancers responsible for maintaining spaces and practices of that dance in the city. From the analysis of the interviews we arrived at the following categories: Who are these women who dance? – presentation of the main interviewees; Jazz Dance arrives in Rio Grande/RS – the scenario that enabled its emergence; Between links and conflicts: powers of/in Jazz Dance – after the emergence of Jazz Dance, the trajectories and views of the dancers/teachers on Dance. Finally, we understand that Jazz Dance became a powerful movement that attracted audiences, dancers and professionals; projected Rio Grande/RS to experience great festivals and achievements. However, these are ephemeral conditions pervaded by the absence of major investments in the artistic-cultural scene.