21

SUNDAY

Most people’s image of Brazilian dance and music involves flamboyant movements and passionate sounds. Think the rhythm-driven undulating and carnival percussion of Bale Folclorico de Bahia, sultry bossa nova, or capoeira. So one might think that the Brazilian Staccato Companhia de Danca is some kind of tropical samba troupe. Well, guess what? Staccato turns out to be one of Brazil’s leading modern-dance companies. Its impressive methodology is more reflective of abstract international styles than traditional ones. Tonight, it presents Palimpsesto, a duet that’s part gymnastics floor exercise, part swing dance, and part theatrical miming. Staccato performs with musicians Chris Lancaster and Felipe Rocha at 6 p.m. at the “Millennium Stage,” Kennedy Center, Grand Foyer. Free. (202) 467-4600. (Steve Kiviat)