Samba Glossary pg 2

Samba Glossary
Ala - (all-ah):
Literally a wing. A section of dancers and the costuming that distinguish them from other wings. Often a social club within an Escola.
Abré Ala - (ah-bree ah-la):
Literally, "opening wing". The first dance wing or float of an Escola. It introduces the theme and sets the evolution of the pageant.
Allegoría - (ah-leh-go-ree-ya):
a parade prop associated with the theme, usually mounted on a tall stick and carried by a dancer.
Apito - (ah-pee-too)
A whistle, used by the music director to cue the musicians.
Agogó - (ah-go-GO)
A set of double-bells that is played with a stick. This instrument is of African origins.
Bateria - (bah-teh-ree-ya):
The percussion section of an Escola de Samba. Literally a battery, which is a term applied to any percussion ensemble.
Baiana - (bi-yah-nah):
A woman's costume reflecting the colonial period of Brazilian history, worn by the matriarchs of African-Brazilian society. A dancers wing that is mandatory for an Escola.
Carro de Alegoríco - (cah-hoo day ah-leh-goh-ree-koo):
The Portuguese term for a parade float. Originated at the early 1900's when upper-class Cariocas showed off their new automobiles during Carnaval.
Cuica - (kwee-kah):
A friction drum that emits a strange sound that's not unlike that of a small dog whose tail had been trodden upon. Also dubbed "the laughing lady".
Guarda Velha - (gwar-dah vel-yah):
Literally the "Old Guard". The distinguished group of an Escola's older, most experienced members who uphold their traditions and standards.
Surdo - (soor-doo):
The large bass drums that anchor the Samba beat. The heartbeat of the Bateria. Literally translated from Portuguese as "a deaf". So named because its basso profundo tones can be percieved by the deaf. Known to set off car alarms and spook horses.
Caixa - (kai-shah):
A snare drum distinguished by the way it is played with the snare side up.
Tamborim - (tam-boor-eem)
A small, shallow hand-held, frame drum played with a flayed stick. Provides the intricate fricassé chatter within the Bateria. This section performs perhaps the most complex patterns of the rhythm, designed to accent the lyrics of the Enredo.
Pandeiro - (pahn-day-roo)
A hand-held frame drum, similar to a tambourine, but unique in the manner the jingles are mounted: turned inside for a dry, crisp sound. Considered by many as a portable "laptop bateria".
Paradinho - (pah-rah-jeen-yoo):
A tricky maneuver in which the entire Bateria halts for one beat and kicks right back in for an extremely dramatic effect. Pioneered by Padre Miguel's Mestre Andre.
Rainha da Bateria - (hi-een-yah dah bah-te-ree-ya):
Literally "the Queen of Percussion". A principal female dancer selected to dance at the head of the Bateria.
Repenique - (heh-peh-neek)
A sharp-pitched tenor drum of the Bateria. Played with one drumstick and a bare hand. Used by the bateria conductor to cue musical breaks and to set the tempo.
Ritmista - (reet-mee-sta) :
a male dancer who also plays a percussion instrument, usually a pandeiro. Performs intricate dance steps while juggling his drum.
Porta-Bandeira -(por-tah bahn-day-rah):
A principal dancer who carries the Escola's flag and is considered its main representative. Traditionally dressed in an elegant colonial coutume à la Queen Marie Antoinette.
Mestre Sala - (mesh-tree sahl-ah):
The Escola's Major Domo. A principal male dancer who performs alongside the Porta-Bandeira. Elegantly costumed to complement his partner.
Enredo - (ehn-heh-doo):
The main theme upon which the entire pagent is based upon. The song of the Escola that tell the story of the Theme.