Rio carnival 2011

Feathers and fur fly as this dancer from the Mangueira samba school performs in the carnival parade in Rio's Sambadrome Photograph: Ricardo Moraes/Reuters

A muscular dancer from the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school takes part in the parade Photograph: Rodrigo Abd/AP

A dancer from the Unidos da Tijuca samba school, now in its 80th year, is disguised by fearsome makeup and an elaborate headdress Photograph: Felipe Dana/AP

A woman sings along to the music during a carnival parade Photograph: Rodrigo Abd/AP

Dancers wearing Buck Rogers-style space age costumes perform on a Sao Clemente samba school float Photograph: Rodrigo Abd/AP

Sao Clemente samba dancers twirl in colourful capes Photograph: Antonio Lacerda/EPA

Who you calling chicken? An Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba dancer comes out of his shell Photograph: Antonio Lacerda/EPA

Winged helmets and silver suits gave dancers from the Portela samba school a distinctive look Photograph: Rodrigo Abd/AP

A performer from the Vila Isabel samba school sings out, demonstrating that her voice is as big as her costume is small Photograph: Rodrigo Abd/AP

Bouquets, bridal veils and bare bones helped these dancers from the Unidos da Tijuca school stand out Photograph: Rodrigo Abd/AP

Hats entertainment – revellers from the Vila Isabel samba school parade past the crowds Photograph: Ueslei Marcelino/Reuters

Jewels in the crown help this Portela samba school dancer give a sparkling performance Photograph: Felipe Dana/AP

A fierce pharaoh adorns the Egyptian themed float paraded by the Imperatriz Leopoldinense dancers Photograph: Felipe Dana/AP

After the parade – a performer and his dummy rest at the end of a hard day's dancing Photograph: Rodrigo Abd/AP