Crianças De Capoeira Angola

ANGOLA

Capoeira Angola is a multiform phenomenon. It is a person's way of defense, and it is also a form of entertainment. An ancient martial art of African origin, it is one of the many cultural weapons used to break the chains of enslavement in Brazil. Played close to the ground, Capoeira Angola combines fluid, dance-like movements with kicks, head butts, tripping sweeps and the appearance of playfulness or vulnerability. Music is played on traditional instruments to accompany the players, to teach the rhythmic heart of the art, and also to mask its power. In the eyes of the enslavers it appeared to be a joking and playful acrobatic dance, but eventually its power was realized and Capoeira was outlawed. Death was the penalty paid by those caught playing Capoeira during the slavery era. For almost 400 years Capoeira Angola was taught and practiced in secret, and only in the 1930's did this African martial art become legal to teach and practice. WHY CAPOEIRA

Young men and women in the program discover a discipline that allows them to express themselves artistically in a way that also allows them to channel pent-up emotions in a positive direction. They discover an art form that combines dance, non-contact fighting movements, music, song, rhythm, theatrical improvisation and more. To perform Capoeira proficiently, students must learn both the ways in which the human body can move and express itself, and the discipline needed to control those movements. As classes proceed, the students open up and express their inner-most emotions, while at the same time creating movement that is beautiful and artistic. Gradually, students learn the much-needed skills of self-discipline, respect for others, tolerance and the joys of cooperation, all which transfer into their daily lives.