daddy's little girl

(AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Julia Lira, 7, dances during a rehearsal by the Viradouro samba school in Rio de Janeiro late Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010. The tiny dancer will be at the helm of the Viradouro samba school's parade at the upcoming Rio carnival. The Viradouro samba school has been known in the past for having local superstar actresses at the front of their shows.
A judge is considering blocking Julia's participation. A state agency that defends children's rights says she's too young to take on a traditionally sexy role. But the girl's father, who happens to be the president of the Viradouro group, says Julia is a natural who can easily samba through the 80-minute parade route in Rio's sweltering summer heat.
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