Prominent Brazilian Samba School, Imperatriz Leopoldinense has chosen money as their performance theme during the 2019 Carnival do Rio de Janeiro. The event will take place in week of March 2 – 9. Further, dancers will perform on the history of money, it will include the journey from first metal coins to modern day cryptocurrencies.
Samba School to Perform on a Money Oriented Theme
Samba school is betting high on Bitcoin to create a good impression on spectators at Marquês de Sapucaí Sambódromo, the venue that hosts the famous carnival in Rio de Janeiro, with high hopes of winning the competition this year. Imperatriz Leopoldinense has been in existence since 1956 and has been a close second several times. However, it hasn’t recorded victory to it’s name since 2001, but stakes are heavy. Interestingly, the school’s performance has been named “ Give Me Some Money” .
“Our story is about money and its relationship with humans from their invention to the present time. It is, without a doubt, one of the most important instruments in the economic life of nations and people. Imagine what life would be without money. How could we buy and sell, receive and pay, stock up and save for the future, if it did not exist?”
the samba school explains.
Making Sense of Financial Revolution
The narrative covers various periods of human history and important developments such as the minting of the first coins in the ancient kingdom of Lydia, in the 7th century BC, and the issuance of the first paper money in China during the 10th century. Then it portrays the first exchange relations between South America’s native population, the Indians, and the European discoverers, as well as the first Brazilian mint that produced coins used in the slave trade.
First, the narrative will cover minting of first coins in kingdom of Lydia in 7th century BC. Secondly, it will cover issuance of first paper money in China during the 10th century. Third, the narrative will portray the first exchange between South America’s native population, the Indians, and the European discoverers.
Moreover, the choreographers will portray saving and investing of money through various financial instruments and other means. Also, the dance will throw light on income inequality in Brazil. Lastly, Imperatriz’s dancers will conclude their performance highlighting Bitcoin.
“We’ll end the parade talking about a future already present through cryptocurrencies – a digital resource system designed to function as a medium of exchange,”
The Samba school added.
Carnival Hit by Financial Crisis
Unfortunately, Samba school has faced flak for choosing money as theme. According to 82-year old Mário Monteiro, who performs along with his sister Cacá Monteiro, 64, it’s a great irony to talk about money when the carnival goes through its longest period of financial difficulties.
“It’s a challenging job. We are using old materials and optimizing all we can in order to save,”
he said,
However, he also has a strong belief that lack of money will not stop his dance group.
