Benguelê is an exaltation of the African past and its striking and profound roots in Brazilian culture. Shamelessly discarding any vestige of classical technique – which, however, is present in the dancers' training and supports the complex choreography – the choreographer evokes, from beginning to end, Afro-Brazilian rhythms such as maracatu, candomblé, and congado. Anarchy and frenzy replace the symmetry and order of the dancers on stage. Pas-de-deux and fouettés give way to foot stomping, hip movements, shoulder and pelvic thrusts. The rhythmic diversity comes to life to the inspired music of composer, singer, and guitarist João Bosco. There are eleven themes – specially created, such as the theme song Benguelê, or recreated, such as Pixinguinha's choro 1x0, or Tarantá and Carreiro Bebe from folklore. Sometimes festive, sometimes ritualistic, the movements suggest tribal dances, where the representation of human figures, bent by time, or animalistic, punctuate the spectacle.