Preparations for this year's carnival in Rio de Janeiro have taken on extra excitement in this Olympic year for the Brazilian city. Samba dancers are honing their moves in the city's so-called "sambadrome".
Samba dancers ready for Olympics
The 'Union of the Island' Samba School is one of 12 top-league schools in the city. Like football clubs, Brazil's samba schools are divided into first, second and third leagues, according to their level of accomplishment.
And the rehearsal provides an opportunity for the public to get a free preview of the performances.
The Rio Carnival will be held on the 5th of February, running for about a week, and athletes from around the world will be invited to take part.
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