When tourist Josh arrives in Rio de Janeiro, we discover a world unrealised in TQ Productions’ revival of Rio 40°. Behind the beaches and carnivals is an unseen side that Rio 40° sets out to explore and expose. This is a non-stop, high-energy dance show executed superbly by the 16-strong cast members who fill the L-shaped stage. They are on fire. The dancers are hot, the dancing is hot and the cosy venue is…comfortable, although sight lines are limited by support beams and the flat floor seating. Thankfully any floorwork by the dancers is kept to a minimum because it can’t be seen beyond the front row. A digital cyclorama projects images of Rio, dancing lights, and some stiller moments of beauty, but it’s quite overwhelming, particularly when combined with the volume of the music. There may be a trigger warning necessary for some of the fast-flashing imagery and lights as it can leave one with a mild headache by the end. The scenes take Josh through beach life, night life, urban life and the corrupt life of the military police, which remains an issue in the country today. Reading the digital program will help to interpret some of the dances and the important messages being conveyed by producer and choreographer Talita Fontainha. Without reading it, the projections on the cyclorama add time, place and situation to each routine, helping the audience to understand Josh’s experience, if not the message itself. The costuming is the right blend of simple dance basics to colourful, full-bodied carnival attire. Rio 40° is exhausting in its pace, volume and visual glory but well worth it to see the underside and bright side of Brazil’s former capital depicted with such vibrancy.