A Carnaval newcomer claims the king’s crown for
2007:
Danilo Macarrao, a native of
Salvador,
Bahia, learned the rhythms of dance through the martial art form
capoeira, which he has been doing his whole life. Though he has
loved dance ever since he was a child, it was his capoeira master, Jelon
Vieira, who got him started dancing professionally nine years
ago. Zieira is the director and choreographer of the critically
acclaimed Dance Brazil, which mixes many contemporary dance
styles with capoeira. This blend of styles was on display when Danilo
was proclaimed the winner at this year’s King and Queen of Carnaval San
Francisco competition. Not bad for a newcomer to Carnaval.
Danilo's winning dance at the 2007
King and Queen of Carnaval competition. For more video of
the competitors, visit our
King and
Queen
video pages.
“I heard of Carnaval before coming to California.
While I was taking some dance classes here, I heard about the (King and
Queen) contest, and I was interested in doing something for the
contest,” says Danilo. “I like Carnaval because the sounds and music
make people happy and vibrant. I also like that the theme (“Love
Happens”) is about love.” Now, as this year’s king, he will have a
chance to share his own vibrant style with the people of San Francisco.
Before
coming to California in Fall 2006, Danilo was sharing his love of dance
and capoeira around the world. He toured for six years with Dance
Brazil, taught classes in Japan, and then was in New York
for several months, where he met his wife. Luckily for Carnaval
revelers in San Francisco, Danilo’s wife is from California, and the two
have settled down here to raise their first child.
King Danilo and Queen Marina share a
victory dance after being crowned for the 2007 Carnaval.
“I am just learning about California. I like it
because it is more warm, like Brazil - and the people are warm too, more
than in other places in United States. Every day I learn something new.”
For the time being, Danilo is focused on being a
father, and continuing to teach dance and capoeira. He is
currently teaching classes at Gold’s Gym in Oakland, and
would like to open his own studio someday for dance, capoeira, and other
arts. Considering how quickly he became King, it might happen sooner
than you’d expect.
Dance
Brazil is the critically acclaimed dance company which
Danilo toured with for six years.
Danilo teaches dance & capoeira at
Gold's Gym in Oakland.
RIP:
Carnaval San Francisco's great Carlos Aceituno passed
on September on Tuesday September 26, 2006. Many of the
entrants at this years King and Queen competition dedicated
their performance to Carlos.
The leader of Fogo Na Roupa was loved by all as an
inspirational mentor, teacher, and creative force whose
everyday example of living life in the present and coming
together joyously through the power of song dance and
community at Carnaval time will long be remembered.
Tribute to Carlos Flight of the Quetzal
"We can now remember that SMILE and
all his LOVE that he gave to our community
throughout his lifetime through memory. El
Es Dios! "
- Roberto Hernandez, Artistic Director
of Carnaval SF
Before
coming to California in Fall 2006, Danilo was sharing his love of dance
and capoeira around the world. He toured for six years with Dance
Brazil, taught classes in Japan, and then was in New York
for several months, where he met his wife. Luckily for Carnaval
revelers in San Francisco, Danilo’s wife is from California, and the two
have settled down here to raise their first child. 
