Determined not to miss out on samba dancing while in Rio, I booked this samba show through my hotel. It was convenient: a bus came and picked us up and dropped us off at the hotel. Before the show a few costumed dancers were posing for photos with us.
The Plataforma show depicts the 500-year history of Brazil's dancing culture, including Bahia mysticism, music's evolution under the Portuguese Royal Court, and finally a breakdown of the Carnival festivities and samba school competitions. (Be sure to grab the brochure which explains all this before you go in to the show.)
Certain aspects of this show made me want to giggle. I think it's because they tried too hard to depict history, rather than providing simply a dancing revue, which would have felt more natural. For example, in the beginning they had the male dancers skulking through the forest in loincloths and spears. These were also the moments when the dancing was less inspiring and the music sounded forced.
That said, the rest of the music was exciting and lively: a live orchestra accompanying the dancers, as well as drummers on stage. Some of the drumming was so primal I imagined the rhythms of the Amazon. The costumes were without exception colorful and extravagant. From the traditional barely-there samba outfits to the architectural and gaudily symbolic Carnival dresses, there was always plenty to look at onstage. The dancing was wonderful too, of course. Not just samba, the troupe demonstrated some traditional dances. My favorite act was the acrobatic act, when all the male dancers came out in just pajama-like pants and did all sorts of daring flips, jumps and whirls. They were beautiful men; tall, with amazing muscle-definition all over. I was glad I was up front for this! The samba finale was mainly the women out there with their teeny tiny outfits and their super-high heels stepping away. I was in awe of their physiques, all the dancers were in incredible shape. Equally amazing were their totally in-synch steps; it was a wall of quivering thighs when they lined up on stage. No need to mince words: the dances are erotic and this show plays that up.
At the end, you have a chance to get up on stage with the dancers. I was this close to going straight for one of the acrobats, but being alone made me timid.
They served drinks during the show, and there was an option at booking to have dinner at the Plataforma beforehand. I am glad I did not choose this option as it was expensive and would have been no fun eating alone.
If you are not into tourist spots or on a budget, this should be your last option to see live samba. If you are a traveler who enjoys organized tours and cabaret performances, then this is just the thing for you.