In a spectacular display of color, movement, music, and drama, “Balé Folclórico da Bahia” brings their Mardi Gras Carnival extravaganza to the Performing Arts Center on March 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Cal Poly Arts presents the show that comes with a “fasten your seatbelts” warning as an array of dancers, drummers, and vibrant party energy fills the Cohan Center stage.

The only professional folk dance company in Brazil, “Balé Folclórico da Bahia” was formed in 1988 and has achieved considerable success in its relatively short history. The 38-member troupe of dancers, musicians, and singers performs a repertory based on “Bahian” folkloric dances of African origin, including slave dances, capoeira (a form of martial arts), samba, and those celebrating Carnival. The company presents the region’s most important cultural manifestations under a contemporary theatrical vision that reflects its popular origins. 

Based in Salvador in the northern state of Bahia, the troupe’s immediate success brought invitations to perform at other festivals around the country.

“Balé Folclórico da Bahia” was awarded the prize for Best Performance of the Year, given by the Ministry of Culture through the National Institute of Dance. In a subsequent tour of the principal capitals of Brazil, the company was acclaimed as one of the country’s most important dance companies. In 1990, the “Balé Folclórico da Bahia” received the “Fiat Prize,” awarded by Fiat Industries to the best dance company in Brazil.

“Balé Folclórico da Bahia” made its European debut in 1992; in 1994, after a performance in Lyon, France, the New York Times reported that “of the 20 companies, from four continents… no company better embodied the idea of black dance in Africa and beyond than the vibrant ‘Balé Folclórico da Bahia.’ ”

Since then, the troupe has traveled all over the world, recognized as one of the world’s finest folkloric dance companies.

In 2008, “Balé Folclórico da Bahia” celebrated its 20th anniversary with a sold-out run in Salvador, Bahia.  This 2011 tour marks a long-anticipated return to the United States with an exciting new program returning to its Afro-Brazilian roots, mixing longtime favorites with new pieces created for its 20th anniversary.

Student and adult tickets for the performance range from $16 to $42 and may be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Ticket Office, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.  

To order tickets, call 805/756-2787; fax: 805/756-6088; or visit www.calpolyarts.org.

Sponsored by Patricia McNamara in loving memory of Francis McNamara.