Carnival
2016 – Somewhere Under The Rainbow
London School of Samba at Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival 2016
Under The Rainbow
Throughout human history, rainbows have mystified and awed us with their beauty. They are a symbol of peace, hope, and unity. In some cultures the rainbow is a bridge to another world, a giant bow, a serpent, or even a demon that eats children.
All these beliefs surrounding the rainbow make it one of the most potent and influential symbols of the natural world, and one that unites the human race, reminding us of the enigma of nature, and linking us across generations, continents and cultures with its awesome beauty.
London School of Samba’s parade was a burst of colour, a vibrant spectacle, forming a colossal rainbow that represented diverse peoples and civilizations from around the World, each valuing the rainbow as a significant symbol in their culture. It was a celebration of color and unity, bringing people together in a carnival of joy.
Concept
Theme & Synopsis by Chris Bicourt
Front Commission (Comissão de Frente): Oxumarê
Oxumarê is the god of the rainbow. He is the Orixá of all movement, of all cycles of life. He lives in heaven and comes to earth to visit us through the rainbow. He’s a big snake that surrounds the earth and the sky and ensures the unity and renewal of the universe. And so the cycle begins…
Ala Japan (Ala das Baianas)
In Japanese myth, the rainbow is the “Floating Bridge of Heaven” on which Izanami and Izanagi, the male and female creators of the world descended to create land from the ocean of chaos.
Ala India
In Hindu mythology, Indra, the god of thunder and war, uses the rainbow to shoot arrows of lightning and its colours also correspond to the chakras.
Ala Egypt (Bateria)
In Egyptian mythology rainbows are seen as great bows which lead the way for the sun god Ra and his retinue to ascend into the sky.
Ala Africa (Ala dos Passistas)
In West Africa the rainbow is often associated with serpents and symbolises the spirit of fertility.
Ala Native America (Ala Mirim/children)
In Native America, the Cherokee Indians believe the rainbow forms the hem of the sun’s coat.
Ala England (Guest Ala)
In England today the rainbow is used with its more modern connotations of equality and diversity.
Ala Viking (Guest Ala)
The Vikings called it the “Bifrost”: the burning bridge which connects Midgard (earth) with Asgard, home of the gods.
Ala Ancient Greece (Drop-in Ala)
In Greek mythology, Iris is the personification of the rainbow and a messenger linking the gods to humanity.
Costumes
Designs drawn by Kati Borgers
Mia Harris: Comissão de Frente Oxumarê, Ala Japan (Ala das Baianas), Ala Egypt (Bateria)
Edmilson Souza: Ala India, Ala Africa (Ala dos Passistas) & Rainha de Bateria
Glow Crawford: Ala Native America (Ala Mirim/Children)
Sian Dorman, new designer mentee: Ala Ancient Greece
Producers
Mia Harris: Comissão de Frente Oxumarê highlight costume
Mariko de Montalte: Comissao de Frente Oxumarê & Ala Egypt (Bateria)
Diane Artis: Ala India & Ala Japan (Ala das Baianas)
Edmilson Souza: Ala Africa (Ala dos Passistas) & Rainha da Bateria
Glow Crawford: Ala Ancient Greece, Ala Native America & Porta Bandeira & Mestre Sala development
Chris Bicourt: 2016 Carnival logo
Emergency Exit Arts: Float 1 & 2
Make-up Lead: Ioana Schneider
Many thanks to our design review panel: Chris Bicourt, Carron Comerford & Miko de Montalte
Dance Leads / Teachers
Ella Mesma: Comissão de Frente Oxumarê – An exciting collaboration with Element Arts Company’s professional dancers!
Marta Scott: Ala Japan (Ala das Baianas)
Irineu Nogueira: Ala Africa (Ala dos Passistas)
Leandro Beleza: Ala India
Gladys Cavalcante: Ala Ancient Greece
TBC: Ala Native America (Ala Mirim/Children)
Bateria Directors
Christopher Mullins-Silverstein
Mestre Mags
Mestre Fred
Karen Brownlie
Vik Choudhuri
Carnival Manager / Producer
2016’s year’s carnival manager/producer was Theah Dix.
Embaixo do arco-Iris Existe Samba, Magia e Alegria
Under the rainbow there is Samba, Magic and Happiness
Lyrics by Xavier Osmir, harmony & melody arranged by Paul Rumbol, Xavier Osmir and Marcelo Andrade
Portuguese
Lê lêle le rere
a London School invadiu a cidade
De baixo dos arcos da Lapa
O samba levanta poeira
Sou arco-íris que encandeia
E lá no céu
Lá no céu , o sol raiou que lindo dia
Vem sambar em harmonia
Poesia viva em seu olhar
Chuva de ouro e de prata
Banhavam o mundo
um sinal de paz
Do lado de la, orientais
Levei oferendas aos orixás
Lançando flores na passarela
Gira baianas um mar de festas
Mitologias e Melodias
Colorido sonho renascia
Bate na palma da mão
E pisa na ponta do pé
Em Notting Hill toco batuque e muito axe
Não sei de onde vem
Ou para onde vai
Oh Deus do Sol trás alegria e muita paz
Mae África, homem, mulher
Chamas douradas lancei
Colorindo a passarela
Carnaval encanto em aquarela
Brilha Aurora Boreal
Lapland, carnaval
Sou a Unidos, arco-íris musical
English
London School invades the city
Under the arches of Lapa
The samba raises the dust
I am the rainbow that overshadows
It’s in the sky
In the sky, the sun shines, when a beautiful day
Come and samba in harmony
Poetry lives in your eyes
Rain of silver and gold
Washing the world
for peace
From the other side of the world came the oriental
Here we brought offerings to the Orixas
Throwing flowers on the passarela
Spinning baianas an ocean of parties
Mythology and Melody
A colourful dream reborn
Clap with the palm of your hand
And step on the tip of your toes
In Notting Hill playing drums and with Axe
I don’t know where it comes from
or where it is leading
The God of Sun bring happiness and peace
Mother Africa, Man and Women
Golden flames were throwing
Colouring the passarela
The Carnival enchants in watercolours
Shine Aurora Boreal
Lapland, Carnival
I am The Unidos, The Musical rainbow
