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Balé da Cidade de São Paulo

Fôlego + BOCA ABISSAL
Rafaela Sahyoun
Show
2026/2027
Brazil

Danced Kaleidoscope

Electro-Brazilian rhythms, infectious energy, and the sheer pleasure of movement: this double bill by Balé da Cidade de São Paulo celebrates dance that is explosive, visceral, and boldly collective. An electrifying sensory journey.

With more than 200 creations to its name, the company stands as one of Brazil’s leading cultural forces. In this compelling two-work program, Rafaela Sahyoun’s finely honed choreographic voice resonates with the vitality of today’s Brazilian dance scene. 

In Fôlego (breath), pulsation becomes the driving force, coursing through every gesture. Bodies ripple in continuous flow, multiplied by a vast mirror that transforms the stage into a shimmering kaleidoscope. Breath itself becomes the spark for connection, resonance, and transformation.

In counterpoint, BOCA ABISSAL immerses the group in sweeping circular trajectories, releasing a regenerative energy in the face of exhaustion. The 18 performers trace a radiant passage set to an electro score infused with Brazilian accents, where the fearless joy of dancing together bursts forth.

Artist(s)

Choreographer
Rafaela Sahyoun

Dance artist, performer and educator born in São Paulo to Arab (Lebanese and Palestinian) heritage, Rafaela Sahyoun develops her artistic practice between Brazil and Europe.

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Company

Balé da Cidade de São Paulo

Balé da Cidade de São Paulo (Ballet of the City of São Paulo) is the official company of one of the world’s largest metropolises. Reflecting the city whose name it bears, it asserts a distinctly cosmopolitan identity and an ever-evolving artistic spirit. Through the breadth of its repertoire, the quality of its productions, and its influence, this company remains a cornerstone of Paulist and Brazilian culture, while engaging with the global choreographic scene.

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Credits

Boca abissal

Conception and choreography Rafaela Sahyoun.

Assistant creation and choreography Inês Galrão.

Creation assistants Daniela Moraes, Gustavo Cabral.

Stage in continuing research and choreographic composition Judita Tripar.

Original soundtrack, musical production, mixing, programming, voices and synthesizers Yantó.

Recording, mixing and mastering Frederico Pacheco.

Acoustic percussion, cuíca and onça Leandro Vieira.

Coro Bruna Lucchesi, Rodrigo Mancusi.

Costumes Karina Mondini – Tela Studio SP.

Light design Aline Santini.

Set design Camila Schmidt.

Assistant set designer Stephanie Fretin.

Visagism Luiz Parisi.

Dancers 18


Fôlego

Conception and choreography Rafaela Sahyoun.

Choreographic assistance and collaboration Inês Galrão.

Original soundtrack, music production and sound editing – includes excerpts from works by The Field (Axel Willner) Yantó.

Musical production Joaquim Tomé.

Costumes Karina Mondini – Tela Studio SP.

Light design Aline Santini.

Dancers 16

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