The Emergence of the Drum Queen
The Drum Queen is one of the most iconic figures of Brazilian Carnival, parading in front of the percussionists and bringing charm, energy and charisma to the parade. This tradition began in the 1970s, when Adelaide Amaral, from the Acadêmicos do Salgueiro samba school, became the first woman to officially occupy the position. Before that, the role of leading the drum section was performed by the drum masters or prominent dancers, but over time, women gained their place.
The success of the Drum Queen grew rapidly and, in the 1980s and 1990s, celebrities began to take on the position, making it even more competitive. Actresses, models and TV personalities began to represent the schools, bringing visibility and glamour to the parades. Even with the presence of celebrities, many schools keep their queens chosen from within the community itself, valuing samba dancers who grew up in the Carnival environment.
Being a Drum Queen requires more than beauty and fame. In addition to the responsibility of representing the school, it requires dedication, intense rehearsals and a strong connection with samba. Some queens have become legendary, such as Luma de Oliveira, Viviane Araújo and Gracyanne Barbosa, who left their mark on the era with unforgettable performances.
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