"Take It Easy:" 3rd Trimester

As I begin the 3rd and final trimester of my pregnancy, my midwife has asked me to take it easy. Take it easy! Is she nuts? It's like asking Snoop to stop smoking weed. Though feasible, it is not realistic.


With my first child, I did not slow down. I, in the early stages of my 3rd trimester, samba down Mission Street in celebration of the San Francisco Carnaval parade, went on long hikes with my hubby, and sorted loads of heavy textbooks on the last few days of school. Now, I often ask myself "What was I thinking?"
Yes, I need to remember that it is not about me; it's about the growing baby inside of me. Therefore, I vow to take it easy or at least not repeat the things I did during my first pregnancy.

Nap time, here I come!

Best Carnaval Roles

As Brazilians like to say, New Year's Eve is the first cry of Carnaval. From January until the day of the parade, Canavalescos, Carnaval participants, rehearse, work on tan lines, and get ready for the special day. It is, after all, one of the largest competitions in Rio de Janeiro. The winning samba school not only gets the prestige of being the best samba school in Rio but also a significant cash prize.

But really, what is Carnaval without the amazing costumes? Below are photos of my favorite outfits and roles.

Porta Bandeira and Mestre de Sala. This is one of the most prestigious positions a samba school member can have. PB and MdS have the honor of carrying the school's flag, and unlike other parade members, there is only one male and one female PB and MdS for the whole school. The coveted position is often passed down from generation to generation, staying within the family for years.

Madrinha da Bateria (Godmother of the Band). The MdB holds one of the most glamorous positions in a samba school. Throughout the parade, she marches down the Sambodromo, the designated parade street, in front of the band. Her job, in addition to looking fab, is to excite the crown and dance her ass off. Since all eyes are on her, the pressure is on to look amazing in ever way.

Baianas. I love the role of the baianas. Normally, B are older women who have been members of the samba school for years. They are dedicated members who, behind the scenes, do most of the sewing and costume making for other members. Though the costumes are typically long skirts, each year, costume designer incorporate new designs, colors, and accessories that make the costume beautiful and glamorous.

Globeleza. Yeas ago, Globo, Brazil's top television network, began hosting competitions in search of someone who would serve as the face of Carnaval. For 10 years, Valeria Valencia held the position. Today, Globo hosts a yearly competition to find the right woman. She, in nothing but body paint, appears in commercials that promote the parade and remind me why I need to eat more brown rice and broccoli.

Maria Souza: A Dancer, Friend, and Teacher

Maria Souza: queen of Carnaval and Aquarela's founder, manager, and dancer. Around the holiday season, Aquarela begins preparing for the San Francisco Carnaval Ball. We brainstorm costume ideas, rehearse old and new choreographies, and begin our beauty regime—brown rice and broccoli--tasty! For us, the SF Ball is one of the top shows of the year and we LOVE it!!

However, this coming ball is going to be very different for me. Since I am currently in grad school and pregnant, I have not attended rehearsals. I’m out of the loop and I hate it because rehearsals are more than just a time to dance and rehearse. It’s my time to bond with some of my closest friends.

Aquarela is like a second family with Maria Souza as the mother. For the past 25 years, Maria Souza has led Aquarela Dance Ensemble. During this time, she has been a fellow dancer, friend, critic, and mother. She taught me how to dance, make costumes, and build the confidence that I have today. In simple terms, Maria has been one of the most important people in my life. She truly is an amazing woman.

To show my gratitude, I've included some of Aquarela's best moments?

The beginning. Warning! The costumes are outdated but still fabulous. Plus, Maria's white feather costume is to die for.

Carnaval Parade

Silvana: Choreographer, organizer, dancer, and friend. Micaela: Organizer, dancer, and friend. Akiva: Organizer, dancer, and friend.
Dominique: Dancer, friend, and the baby of the group :)
Molly: Dancer, friend, and clown. Yes, a professional clown!

2011 San Francisco Carnaval Parade

The 2011 San Francisco Carnaval Parade is now a bitter-sweet memory.

Let me begin with the bitter:
It began at 7 :30 am when my very pregnant best-friend announced she would not be parading today. After parading together for 14 year, she would not...be...present. The news instantly broke my spirit and brought tears to my eyes, but I tried to overcome it and move on. However, later we were faced with technical difficulties involving the band and sound system. Those on the float and beyond could not hear the band that marched 20 feet ahead. Now tell me, how can any dance group perform when they can't hear the music? Lastly and the straw that broke the camel's back, metaphorically speaking, was the conduct of a fellow dancer. Her bad mood and unkind behavior left me disappointed and despondent. Carnaval, after all, is a joyous occasion in which participants show off their talent, bring pleasure and entertainment to the crowd, and simply have a great time--fun time. Bad moods and unkind behavior is not allowed. In fact, if you look closely at the San Francisco Carnaval Parade rule book, it clearly states that unpleasant and disagreeable behaviors are not allowed within 20' of the parade--really! But enough about the bitter.

Let me end with the sweet:
I looked fabulous! Of course, it was with the help of friends. For one, Dominique lent me a fabulous hot pink bikini and gloves to match my head and shoulder piece. She was also my chauffeur; I love when I don't have to drive. During the parade, Akiva consoled me (remember that my best-friend and partner in crime was not parading). Her kind words and carrying gestures brought my spirits up, allowing me to dance my ass off. At the end of the parade, I was pleasantly surprised to see that my feet did not hurt--always, always a plus--and in the afternoon, I had a great cup of coffee and closed the parade day with a great stage performance; I know it was great because other dancers (audience members) were clapping and smiling. In many ways, the parade was a great success.

Here are the pictures!
Maria Souza, director and founder of Aquarela
Me and my family
The amazing band
Silvana Sousa, choreographer of Aquarela

Carnaval Parade: Countdown Begins

San Francisco Carnaval Parade 2007. My year as the queen of carnaval. I had fun this year.


San Francisco Carnaval Parade 2009. I was 8 months pregnant with my little Camila.

We now begin the countdown for this year's San Francisco Carnaval parade! With less than a month to go, my group is now scrambling to get costumes done, decorated floats ordered, sound systems reserved, and participants excited.

With so much to do, I almost don't know where to start and the stress makes me want to shut down. If only I have a magic wand, I could conjure up a gorgeous hot pink costume to match the well-designed, colorful, and large float that I would also conjure up. But the show must go on! Thus, I will probably spend the next few weeks mustering up courage to work on my costume and eventually produce something that not only I love but will also make this year's Carnaval parade special and unforgettable.

Feliz Carnaval!