Portugal at Eurovision Dance Contest 2008 �� 2008 ESCKaz.com (original) (raw)

Raquel Tavares & Joao Tiago (Portugal) - rumba, tango ("Tirei a sorte" by Fernando Martins and Alexandra Valentim, performed by Alexandra Valentim) Biography / �� Interviews / �� Latest News / ��
Biographies / ��

SingerRaquel Tavares and professional dancer Joao Tiago have been selected to represent Portugal at the Eurovision Dance Contest 2008.Born in Lisbon on the 11th of January 1985, form a family with deep roots of attachment to Fado, Raquel, since a very young age was present at "tertulias" (singing meetings) accompanied by her mother. She had a normal route on her education, but finally decided she couldn�t leave music behind. Her "Fadistic" attitude comes from her life hood. In the essence of her singing, influences of great Fado singers can be noticed, although she has already acquired a style of her own. In her recent path, she won the biggest song contest dedicated to fado in Portugal: �Grande Noite Do Fado�. ; She sings regularly at �Bacalhau De Molho�, one of the most famous fado houses in Lisbon, "Cafe Luso", and has made shows all around Europe, in cities like Paris, Rome, Madrid or Bologne. She took part in the show "Novissima Geracao do Fado", having integrated the Festa do Fado 05 and had her first solo presentation at the Ciclo de Fado in Zamora, Spain. Raquel sings what she sees, feels and smells around her, what she lives from day to day. And nothing suits her purposes better than the tangible, real-life stories written by Linhares Barbosa, the fado poet who best told the tales of the people. Her first album, "Raquel Tavares", was released in April 2006 and this was also the year when she was the winner of the Amalia Rodrigues Revelation Prize. In 2007 she won "Best new Fado act" and recently in May has released her 2nd album "Bairro". She�s been named one of the most representative fado singers of the new generation and no longer just a promising voice. You can listen to the recently aired radio concert of Raquel here. "The television has an incredible power. Now people are approaching me on streets and ask whether I'm the Fado singer who was in "Danca Comigo", though I've taken part in only 3 shows", admitted Raquel. Joao Tiago Gracio Fernandes was born in 1985 and has practiced Ballroom dancing since the age of 10, and has represented his hometown of Entroncamento in competitions for 10 years, winning several titles, the highlights being 5 times Portuguese champion of Latin dance, 3 times Portuguese champion of the Tendance, 2 times Portuguese champion of Classic dance, 3 Portuguese Cups and 7 times regional champion of Latin and Classic dance. He has also represented Portugal in several international championships, including World Championship and Blackpool. Joao has taught dance for 6 years, and currently teaches in own JT Dance Academy in Entroncamento and several other schools in the central region of the country as an instructor and director. He was also a dancer in the 3rd and 4th editions of the RTP programme "Danca Comigo". Raquel has been performing with him during the 3rd season of the show (finishing as runners-up), as well as at Christmas special last year. Two videos of performances of this couple (in low quality) are available here and here. Couple will perform mix of tango and rumba in Glasgow. As in 2007, Portuguese entry will be choreographed by Marco de Camilis, while costumes will be designed by Nuno Baltazar, who himself was participant of same edition of "Danca Comigo" as Raquel Tavares. "Tirei a sorte" (I took the luck) will be the music theme used for Portuguese performance. It is produced by Viagens a Marte, with music and lyrics by Fernando Martins and Alexandra Valentim, performed by Alexandra Valentim (singer of the band "Tambor" now recording their fourth cd, composer, lyricist, producer and musical director of TV shows). Chorus by Isabel Campelo (Festival de Cancao 1992, 1993 and 1994), Margarida Campelo, Joana Campelo, Carlos Coincas (FC 1997, 1998 and 2008) , Pedro Mimoso (FC 2008) and Andre Tavares. Portuguese Guitar: Angelo Freire (young musician now playng with Mariza), other Instruments: Fernando Martins and Helder Godinho, musical production: Fernando Martins (producer, musical director, musician, composer, arranger, some works include: arrangement for Libertango for the EDC07, Ai de quem nunca cantou for the ESC07(2nd), Por ti Portugal for the ESC08(6th), Danca Comigo for 4 seasons, Operacao Triunfo 07, Chuva de Estrelas for 8 years, musician in tAMbOR, Ritual Tejo, Velosolex), Mixing and mastering: Fernando Abrantes (audio engineer, composer, arranger, musician, played with Kraftwerk in 1991), Technical: Fernando Martins, Fernando Abrantes and Andre Tavares, Studios: Viagens a Marte. As Raquel Tavares explained to ESCKaz the song will have "almost love-hate feelings", and is made with influence of fado music in portuguese guitar and vocals. The theme will serve the dance beginning with introduction to the opening Rumba and progressively becoming a Tango. Eurovision Dance Contest will be broadcasted live by RTP1 on 6th of September at 20.00 local time. As in last year Isabel Angelino and the dance expert Alberto Rodrigues will be RTP commentators for the show. Helena Coelho will announce results of Portuguese televoting. RTP1 will repeat EDC 2007 at 16.30 local time on 6th of September and will also broadcast during the week special diaries at 18.25 local time. RTP International Europe will also broadcast the show live. You can watch EDC08 promo here and check biographies of participants in Portuguese here.	�� 2008. �� 11�� 1985 ��. � �� , �� . �� , �� . �� , �� . � 1997 �� Grande Noite Do Fado, �� , �� , ��, �� . � �� "Bacalhau De Molho". �� , ��. �� , �� , �� . �� , �� , �� , �� . �� 2006 �� . � 2007 �� , � �� "Bairro". �� , � �� . �� . "�� . �� , �� , �� "Danca comigo", �� , �� ", �� . �� 1985 �� 10 ��. �� , �� 10 �� 5-�� , 3-�� 10 ��, 2-�� , �� 3 �� 7 �� . �� , �� . � �� 6 �� , � �� JT Dance Academy � �� . �� 3� � 4� �� "Danca comigo". �� 3� �� (�� ), � �� . �� . � �� . �� , �� , � �� , �� "Danca Comigo", �� . "Tirei a sorte" - �� , �� . �� Viagens a Marte, �� (�� "Tambor" �� , ��, ��, �� ). ��-��: �� (�� 1992, 1993, 1994), �� , �� , �� (�� 1997, 1998, 2008), �� (�� 2008) � �� . �� : �� , �� : �� , �� (��, �� , ��, ��, �� 2007, �� 2007 � 2008 ��, �� Danca Comigo, Operacao Triunfo 07, �� tAMbOR, Ritual Tejo, Velosolex), �� : �� (��, ��, ��, ��, �� 1991 �� Kraftwerk), �� : �� , �� , ��: Viagens a Marte. �� ESCKaz � �� "�� " � �� , �� . �� , �� . �� RTP1 �� 6�� 20.00 �� . �� . �� . RTP1 �� 2007 � 16.30 �� , � �� 18.25 �� . �� , �� - ��.
Tirei a Sorte tirei a sorte o destino do meu par no amor finjo ser forte digo adeus ate voltar e os dias passam passam sem pensar e sempre que corro ai corro direito ao mar tiro a sorte o destino do meu par nao sou fraca nem sou forte digo adeus ate voltar	I've just decided by chance i've just decided by chance my lover's fate pretending to be strong i say goodbye till i return days go by days go by without a care and whenever i can i run to the sea i've just decided by chance my lover's fate i'm not weak neither strong i just say goodbye till i return

Interviews / ��
12/08 Name of Marco De Camillis is common to all Portuguese fans of Eurovision, as he is responsible for choreographic preparations of all EDC entrants and ESC 2004-2006 entrants. He also worked as choreographer in various editions of Miss Portugal, Pop Star, Operacao Triunfo and is regular teacher and jury member in local Danca Comigo (Dance with me) show. ESCKaz talked to Mr. De Camillis to find how Portuguese camp is preparing for the big event, Eurovision Dance Contest 2008. - Good day, Marco, it is great to have you back as choreographer of Portuguese Eurovision Dance Contest show. - First of all thank you for the contact. I�ve explored your site and it is very interesting. It�s a great job, so congratulations are in order! - Can you explain to our readers, how the selection of Portuguese representative for EDC is run? A lot of people have expected either Daniela Ruah or Luciana Abreu, winners of the Danca Comigo show to get role of Portuguese entrants in EDC, but Raquel Tavares was preferred over them, why? - Daniela and Luciana were unavailable due to professional commitments, but Raquel Tavares was chosen by merit, and she is proven to be a great dancer. We were very glad to have her and also Joao Tiago who was the dancer who accompanied her in the show. - How can you compare last year representative Sonia and Ricardo with this year Raquel and Joao?- I don�t like to make comparisons between the guests. I�ve never made it. They put a great effort on their presence in the show, all of them work very hard and I salute their courage and what they�ve accomplished - What dance style has been selected for Portuguese performance and can you explain the choice?- It�s Rumba and Tango. The choice was made considering what suited best Raquel. Both were styles were she felt comfortable, so it was a very easy choice. - For two years Portugal is dancing to the music of Fernando Martins, do you find his music themes suitable for the dancing on the highest level? - I consider Fernando a great professional and a great artist. His music it�s an obvious choice. - Any surprises awaiting for the viewers in Portuguese performance? - I hope so. We�re working for it. - Speaking about your "Danca Comigo" experience, you're permanent choreographer and jury member of the show. Tell us how you've accepted this role? Do you think that shows of this kind rise interest to the dancing in general? - The role of jury come both as a surprise and a challenge that I�ve gladly accepted, and I consider to be a great honour to participate in a TV Show as wonderful as Danca Comigo. In Portugal we had a great response and everyday I have people coming to me and asking me for advice of where they can have dance lessons. And that makes me very happy. - Is it difficult for you to work with unprofessional dancers? - It�s my job as choreographer to understand the persons, their strengths, their weakness and develop a choreography suited for each person as an individual. It�s not an easy work, but with passion and commitment, everybody can dance and it�s my duty as a choreographer to make it happen. And most of the time we have wonderful surprises. - What, on your opinion were the best dances you've staged during all 3 seasons and specials of Danca Comigo? - It�s not my place to say that. You would have to ask this question to the audience who watches the show every Saturday. - Last year you came up with Gelosia show, involving many previous Danca Comigo entrants, is anything of this sort planned for this year? - Unfortunately this year I haven�t had the opportunity to develop a show of my own due to other professional commitments, but I hope to develop something next year. - Some general questions about Eurovision Dance Contest. Last year besides choreographing, you also were Portuguese commentator of the show. How was that experience and are you planning to continue working as commentator this year? - Last year I�ve commented the Free Style. It was an interesting and very positive experience, but above all I�m a choreographer - Can you name your favourite couples from EDC 2007, besides Portugal, of course? - Finland and Denmark - This year it is supposed that all countries will enter couples made of one professional and one celebrity. Do you think that entering complete professional couples really gives an advantage in the show, considering that only one short dance is to be performed? - I see this as a TV show not a competition. This was based in a show made with public figures dancing with professional dancers, and I believe that is what the audience expects to see. I think that the professional dancers should have a specific show. - Another new thing this year is involvement of professional juries. Do you think there is a need for them, or televiewers are capable to select the winner themselves? - I don�t know if the jury is from ball rooms or if we have more variety as this year we�ll only have freestyle dance. Last year Denmark made a great exhibition in the free style but it didn�t had much of ball room, so I don�t know how a ball room jury would see it. I agree with the presence of the jury but I think the audience is also very capable as I think last year we had a fair winner. - If you were allowed to bring one change in the rules of Eurovision Dance Contest, what would it be? - Well, I�ve always thought that this show should be a development from the local show, with a VIP and a professional dancer, so the persons who participated and worked so hard in the local TV show, had the very well deserved chance to perform in the same European Show. But I would maintain the 2 dances as it was last year. - Thank you very much for your answers and good luck with your preparations!	�� , �� 2004-2006 ��. �� , Pop Star, �� Danca Comigo. ESCKaz �� -�� , �� 2008. - �� , ��, �� . - �� , �� . � �� . �� ! - �� ? �� , �� , �� , �� , �� , ��? - �� , �� . �� -�� , �� , �� . �� , �� , � �� . - �� ? - � �� . �� . �� , � �� , �� . - �� ? - �� . �� , �� . � �� , �� . - �� , �� , �� ? - � �� -�� , �� . - �� ? - ��. �� . - �� "�� ", �� . �� ? �� -��? - �� , �� . � �� , �� "Danca Comigo". � �� , �� , �� . �� . - �� ? - �� - �� , �� , � �� , �� . �� , �� , �� , � �� , �� - �� . �� . - ��, �� , �� ? - �� , � � ��, �� . - � �� Gelosia, � �� -�� ... , ��-�� ? - � ��, � �� , ��-�� , �� , �� -�� . - �� . � �� , �� , �� , �� . �� ? - � �� . �� , �� , �, ��, ��. - �� , ��, ��, ��? - �� . - � �� , �� , �� . �� , �� , �� , �� ? - ��, � �� , � �� . �� , ��, �� , �� , � �� , �� . � ��, �� . - �� - �� . �� , �� , �� ? - � �� , �� , �� , �� . ��, � �� , �� , �� , �� . ��, � �� , �� , �� , � �� . - �� , �� ? - ��, � �� , �� , �� , �� , �� , �� . � � �� , �� . - �� !
16/07 One feels in her voice, in the attitude, in the expression and, above all, in the courage she has by assuming herself as "a Fadista (Fado Singer)". All of this couldn�t be by chance, or by the fact that she is an artist with a huge talent to act. If Fate (Fado) means Destiny, then let�s talk about Raquel Tavares. Famous Portuguese singer and Eurovision Dance Contest entrant has answered ESCKaz questionnaire related to her participation in the competition. - Hello, Raquel, and first of all our congratulations that you've been selected as Portuguese representative at the Eurovision Dance Contest, what does this fact mean to you? - For me it is an honour to represent Portugal in the EDC. The fact that I perform fado music, which is the traditional music of the country, often gives me the opportunity to lead the Portuguese culture across borders, and even though, dancing is not my area, I will do it as when I sing with great vigor and with much soul. - Was it a surprise invitation for you, how you�ve been approached?- The invitation was a huge surprise for me! It came from choreographer Marco de Camillis, and when I heard the news I was speechless for perhaps two minutes! But I accepted the invitation immediately after it. - Back to your �Danca Comigo� experience, what were your first thoughts when you were approached to take part in dance competition? And has your attitude towards dancing changed since then? - I was delighted with the invitation to participate in Danca Comigo, I was an assiduous spectator, and because I believe it is an entertainment program with great quality and dignity. Beyond that I always liked to dance and that was an opportunity to learn some dance rhythms that I had never danced. My attitude towards dance has changed, because I started to love to learn the technique, the attitude to dance and spent more time dancing. - What on your opinion was the best dance, you�ve performed during �Danca Comigo�? - Definitely the Cha-cha-cha and the Tango, because they are rhythms with which I identify either the sensuality or by the requirement. - Do you feel yourself comfortable with your dance partner, Joao Tiago? - Absolutely. Joao is a brilliant dancer and a great professional. It has a very effective method of teaching and also is intriguing is that the love for dance. - You have rather busy schedule, as you continue with your performances, do you have enough time to rehearse for your Glasgow performance? - That had to be managed in the best possible way, so as it not interferes with my schedule of concerts. Fortunately the team with whom we work, as regards my career, has been a great help in this direction, to try to reconcile with dates of rehearsals with the dates of the concerts. - This year all participating couples have to perform just one dance, free style with national flavour. Can you tell us more about the dance you're going to perform? What exactly is the national flavour you'll be putting in it? - Our dance will be a mix of rumba and tango and the feeling is almost love-hate. It is a choreography full of emotion, intensity, feelings that are in fact common to Fado music and Portuguese culture. - Will you use soundtrack specially written for your performance? As you�re a singer, have you considered dancing on the song performed by yourself? - The theme that we will dance is composed and written especially for the EDC, and has many Portuguese roots. Regarding the fact that a dance music could have been made by me, for now, I do not think it will happen. Although singer, I never proposed to compose or even to write lyrics. Maybe one day. - What, on your opinion, should be the recipe to the most viewers� attention, as you will have only 1 minute 45 seconds to conquer their hearts and minds? - Soul, heart, truth, authenticity and much love to dance. - Some general Eurovision Dance questions. Do you think that EDC can turn to be very popular event as is Eurovision Song Contest? - I think yes. Increasingly, the dance is a form sought by all generations, and with programs such as Dance Comigo, it becomes easier to promote this art that is so wide. I think I should give continuity to the EDC, to make everyone to vibrate at home! - Portugal never was successful in Eurovision Song Contest, do you think this can be changed in Dance Eurovision? - The Eurovision Song Contest is a matter that gave a great conversation� For the EDC, last year brought a beautiful 5th place, we will do everything so that Portugal is proud of us. - Have you followed the first edition of the show last year, what were your thoughts about it? - Honestly, I could not watch the concert because I worked on that day, but then I watch it and I was very excited about the quality and originality of all competitors, both amateur and the professional. - Are you following news of national selections from other countries, are you interested to find out who are your rivals? - As I have many concerts at this time, I have not time to see that teams go, or what they will perform, the whole environment is a new for me, and I am very anxious to know everything and all! - Do you think there is enough media attention to Eurovision Dance Contest, or you think more advertising and promotion is required for this contest? - I think the more better. With regard to my participation, I feel very supported by the press and by RTP that is the channel that broadcast the Danca Comigo and EDC. So in Portugal it is well promoted. - What are your other plans for the upcoming time besides Eurovision Dance Contest? Can�t help asking this, but any chance to see you in Eurovision Song Contest preselection next year? - My plans professionals, are the fado, and by promoting my second album, which is called "Bairro". Regarding a participation in the Eurovision Song, I do not think it will happen. - Thank you for the answers, good luck with your preparations!	� �� , �� , �� "��". �� , �� , �� . �� "��" - �� "��", �� . �� ESCKaz � �� . - �� , ��, � �� , �� , �� , �� ?- �� . ��, �� , �� , �� , �, ��, �� , � �� , �� , �� . - �� ? - ��, �� ! �� , � �� , � �� ! �� . - �� "Danca Comigo", �� ? � �� ? - � �� "Danca Comigo", �� , �� . �� , �� , � �� -�� , �� . ��, �� , � �� , � �� . - �� , �� "Danca Comigo", �� , �� ? - ��, ��-��-�� , �� . - �� ? - ��. �� . � �� , �� , �� , �� . - � �� , �� , �� ? - �� , �� . � ��, �� , �� , �� . - � �� , � �� . �� , �� ? - �� . �� , ��, �� , �� . - �� ? �� , �� ? - ��, �� . � �� , �� -�� , �� . �� , � �� , �� . �� , ��, �� . - ��, �� , �� , �� 1 �� 45 �� . - �� , ��, �� . - �� . �� , �� , �� ? - ��, �� . �� , �� "Danca Comigo" �� . - �� , �� , �� ? - �� ... �� , � �� 5� ��, � �� , �� . - �� , �� ? - � ��, �� , �� , �� , � �� , �� , �� . - �� , �� , �� ? - �� , � �� . �� , �� ! - �� , �� , �� ? - �� , �� , ��. ��, �� , �� RTP, �� "Danca Comigo" � �� . � �� , � �� . - �� , �� ? �� , �� ? - �� , �� "Bairro". �� , � �� , �� . - �� , �� !
Latest News / ��

Watch third of EDC diaries broadcasted by RTP on Friday, 5th of September, here	�� , �� RTP � ��, 5�� , �� .

Watch second of EDC diaries broadcasted by RTP on Thursday, 4th of September, here	�� , �� RTP � ��, 4�� , �� .

Watch first of EDC diaries broadcasted by RTP on Wednesday, 3rd of September, here	�� , �� RTP � ��, 3�� , �� .

01/09 On Sunday, in So Visto show RTP aired rehearsal footage of Portuguese couple, which can be seen here.	� ��, � �� So Visto �� , �� .
30/07 Raquel Tavares has already begun training to represent Portugal in the Eurovision Dance Festival, where, accompanied by Joao Tiago, they will be dancing the rumba and Argentine tango in a choreography of two minutes. The soundtrack for the performance is exclusively composed by Fernando Martins, performed by Alexandra Valentim. The fado singer classifies this challenge as "an enormous" and admits: "I'm making a great acrobatics!". "Now, we're concentrating on physical preparation, but very soon we will begin to work on the choreography", reveals singer. Marco de Camillis, choreographer of "Danca comigo" show is again working with EDC dancers. Despite intensive training, singer admits "when dancing, I will be a pile of nerves", thus "I will certainly call Sonia Araujo (last year Portuguese entrant) to find out if she has some tips to give to me". Before leaving for Glasgow, Raquel Tavares will present her new album "Bairro" in Spain. On August 6 she will enter the stage of the IX Festival Iberi at Huesca. On August 8, she will perform in Milagros, Burgos. Recently, Raquel has already toured Netherlands, Greece, France, Uruguay, Chile and Argentina. In September her tour will continue in Poland and Belgium.	�� , ��, �� , �� . �� , � �� . �� , �� "�� " � �� "� �� !". "�� , �� ". � �� , �� "Danca Comigo". �� : "�� , � �� ", �� "� �� (�� ) � �� ". �� , �� "Bairro" � ��. 6�� 9�� . 8�� , ��. ��, �� , ��, ��, ��, �� . � ��, �� , �� .
Portuguese broadcaster RTP has informed on the change of the professional dancer in the couple that will represent this country at Eurovision Dance Contest. Less than a week from original announcement, the decision was taken to replace Armando Tinita by Joao Tiago, as partner of Raquel Tavares. Couple was officially presented to Portuguese public during final of 4th season of Danca Comigo. The winner of it was singer Vitor Fonseca, ex-member of D'ZRT.	�� RTP �� , �� . �� , �� , �� , � �� . �� 4�� Danca Comigo. �� , �� D'ZRT.

Armando Tinita is professional dancer, member of Portuguese Ball Dance Association. Twice national champion of Latin-American, national champion of Latin-American professional 2003, finalist of several international tourneys, quaterfinalist of several European championships, represented Portugal at World championship. Ended competetive career in 2005. Armando is also regular member of "Danca Comigo", Portuguese version of "Dancing With Stars", cast, having performed with 2 winners of show: Patricia Bull and Luciana Abreu. Raquel has taken part in "Danca Comigo 3", and two special editions of the show. On 24th of May the couple performed together in a charity edition of the show performing tango, and video from it is available here. From 9th till 19th of July Armando Tinita and his professional dance partner Alexandra Cunha will teach ballroom dances in dance school in the national conservatory of Lisbon. Additional information is available on this site.	�� - �� , �� . �� , �� 2003 ��, �� , �� , �� . �� 2005 ��. �� "Danca Comigo", �� "�� ", �� . �� "Danca Comigo 3" � �� . 24�� , �� . �� . � 9�� 19 �� . �� .

Portugal at Eurovision Dance Contest 2008 ������������ ����������� 2008 ESCKaz.com (original) (raw)

Portugal at Eurovision Dance Contest 2008 �� 2008 ESCKaz.com (original) (raw)