Capoeira in Rio de Janeiro by Carlos Leal

Tambor de Crioula is an African-Brazilian folk dance that finds its origins in the state of Maranhão. The dance is gradually becoming known and disseminated by the rest of Brazil.

The rhythm is created by drums made from the trunk of trees (troncos). Female dancers (the coureiras), wearing long skirts, take turns at the center of a circle.

The choreography is developed and performed by women, and it consists of sapateios and requebros with the entire body ending with "punga", hit in the abdomen.

The umbigada (punga), given from one dancer to another signals that the turn to occupy the center of the circle has changed.

Tambor de Crioula is mostly practiced during the festivals of Carnaval and São João in Brazil.

  - Carlos Leal