Abstract

RAPOSO, Otávio. Choreographies of evasion: segregation and sociability among young breakdancers from slums of Maré. Etnográfica [online]. 2012, vol.16, n.2, pp.315-338. ISSN 0873-6561.

In Maré, a neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro composed of sixteen slums (favelas), the constant confrontations between drug deal­ing groups limit, or sometimes prevent, the free circulation of people in the streets. Such conflicts impose territorial divisions and force residents, especially younger ones, to avoid areas dominated by groups that are hostile to the one ruling the area where they live. However, a group of young breakdancers (style of dance evolved as a part of hip hop culture) has been able to breach this segregation dynamic; they are changing not only their own way of living the neighbourhood but also the way society sees people who live in favelas. Breakdancing enables them to extend their friendship networks beyond the geographical limits imposed by drug dealing activities, thus allowing them to conquer the legitimacy required to circulate around the entire neighbourhood. Simultaneously, they have started to go to other city neighbourhoods, getting in touch with young people from different origins and social classes. In this process, the “breaking style” becomes an instrument to access the city and an informal arena that subverts the category “favelado” (slum dweller), enabling young people to forge positive and affirmative identities.

Keywords : youth; urban culture; sociability; hip hop; slum; segregation.

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