| Be immersed in Brazilian dance at the Southbank Centre From the favelas of Rio de Janeiro to the edge of the River Thames comes Zona Franca. This is the long-awaited London debut of Brazilian dance group Cia Suave and acclaimed choreographer Alice Ripoll — an exuberant piece that confronts questions of collectivism and freedom, through a blend of popular dance styles from Brazil. Alongside the passinho (which was pioneered at baile funk parties in Rio), you'll discover dances from the north and northeast of the nation, like pisadinha and brega funk. Zona Franca also incorporates elements of African dance, Afro-house, contact dance, and even TikTok, as well as theatre and vocal research. Along the way, it'll look at religions, rituals and festivities. It explores how being part of a collective affects our capacity for freedom, and whether an artistic encounter can change the course of a life. Alice Ripoll: Zona Franca is at the Southbank Centre for just three evenings next month. See it in the Queen Elizabeth Hall at 7.30pm on 2, 3 or 4 November. Tickets are on sale now and start at £20 per person — but our readers get 25% off with the code ZFLONDONIST!
"Breathlessly quick urban dance" ★★★★ - Irish Times Image: Zona Franca © Renato Mangolin | 
