Foto Shala Felippi
COMBOIÁ
In Brazilian Portuguese, comboio means a group traveling together — like a convoy. In the context of this dance workshop, comboiá takes on a deeper meaning: moving together as a collective body, sharing rhythm, and creating connection through movement. It evokes the spirit of community celebrations in Brazil, where dance, music, and togetherness transform public spaces into scenes of joy and resistance. Comboiá is not about just walking — it’s dancing forward, together.
COMBOIÁ
The research originated with the project "Todo Movimento Conta História" (Every Movement Tells a Story), initiated by Valentina Fittipaldi in 2023. The project explored movement as a form of expression for both individual and collective narratives that shape personal identity. Building on this foundation, the Comboiá project offers a new unfolding with a more concrete focus for participants: To transform the class into a collective celebration. More then a path to self-awareness, Comboiá invites the body to share, to celebrate and to become a living presence among the group.
With a background that ensembles Brazilian popular dances (such as coco, maracatu, bumba meu boi, cacuriá, among others), music, singing, contemporary dance, the Movement Culture approach, and nine years of experience with Lia Rodrigues Companhia de Danças, Valentina Fittipaldi brings a new approach to the traditional class format. Her work seeks to bring more fluidity, attentiveness, and organicity to the process, combining both the student's individual research and self-knowledge, with the collective memory of Brazilian popular celebrations. The practice culminates in a final scene/improvisation that, like in a public square, celebrates the meeting of body, culture, and community.
The Practice
Duration: 3 hours
Age Group: All ages – no prior experience required
Target Audience: Individuals interested in dance, movement, singing, and Brazilian popular expressions.
The project is open to people of all ages and does not require any previous experience with dance, music, or movement practices. The proposal is to welcome the experiences and expressions each participant brings, valuing group listening and the process lived throughout the workshop.
Pedagogical and Artistic Objectives
To encourage collaborative artistic creation through the body and voice;
To understand Brazilian popular culture as a living language that fosters connection;
To work with the idea of integrating movement, rhythm, singing, dance, and storytelling;
To explore the public space as a symbolic territory for creation and sharing;
To create an aesthetic and sensitive experience accessible to people with or without dance experience;
To promote listening, empathy, and coexistence among differences.
Comboiá in Paris - 2025
Comboiá no Rio de Janeiro - 2026
Upcoming Workshops
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Lisboa
31 May
10:00 - 13:00
Hosted by Movement Lisboa
Registration & info: movementlisboa@gmail.com
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Porto
6 June
10:00 - 13:00
Hosted by Movement Porto
Registration & info: mvmtporto@gmail.com
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Munich
28 June
11:00 - 14:00
Registration & info: info@valentinafittipaldi.com