Forró

There is a genre of music and dance here in Brazil called forró. It originates from the north of the country and the principal instrument is the accordion, plus types of drum. The couples dance close together to a fast rhythm with intricate steps.

There are two different suggestions for the origin of the name forró - one to do with the fact that in the original rustic dance halls the floor was of beaten earth so the dancers dragged their feet instead of lifting them to avoid raising dust.

The other explanation, which I find interesting, is that the name supposedly comes from the English words "for all". In the early 1900´s many British engineers and railwaymen came to Pernambuco in the north of Brazil to help construct the railways here. Being stuck in the middle of nowhere they entertained themselves by holding dances for local bigwigs. Occasionally these dances were opened to the public, with posters advertising they were "for all". The local populace began to pronounce this as forró, applying the name to the music and style of dancing as well. It is interesting how language evolves.