Brazilian Plus Size Carnival Muse Wins Fans

A week before Carnival festivities officially begin, Rio de Janeiro samba schools rehearsed on Friday in the Sambadrome, where one Carnival muse is breaking boundaries and winning fans despite her plus size.

Twenty-seven year old Vania Flor was officially named muse of the Salgueiro samba school. Chosen as best dancer by residents of the Salgueiro slum, Flor said what was important was her talent, not her clothing size.

[Vania Flor, Salgueiro's Plus Size Muse]:
"I am flattered to represent all of the chubby women around the world. I hope to encourage other people so that they can also become muses. All you need to know is how to dance samba."

At a time of year when many Brazilian women worry about their weight, Flor said she really felt that talent and joy were the essence of Carnival.

[Vania Flor, Salgueiro's Plus Size Muse]:
"Actually I don't feel any difference (from being a plus size muse). I think that all that matters is being happy and knowing how to dance samba. If we all fit these two requirements, we can all join the Carnival parades."

Friday's rehearsal comes just one week before Rio's famous celebrations, and coincides with the start of hundreds of informal street parades, known as blocos.

Carnival King Momo, Milton Junior, encouraged tourists to join the party, saying he knows the city will remain safe despite a police strike.

[Milton Junior, King Momo]:
"Everyone, whether they're from Brazil or not, should come to Rio and have fun in the largest Carnival bash in the world. You can come with me; it is really safe."

Carnival begins on February 17 and ends on February 22.

As many as 850,000 tourists are expected to hit the beaches and palm-tree lined promenades of Brazil's second-biggest city for the festivities.