Capoiera

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form and sport that combines martial arts, dance, music, philosophies and traditions of
West African brought to Brazil during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Often regarded as the “dance fight,” Capoeira
features acrobatics, dance and self-defense movements that are performed in a small circle or “roda.” Participants stay
physically fit by masking fight techniques through dance and acrobatic movements, punctuated by unique rhythm
instruments blended with songs of protest and encouragement

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Capoiera

History

1) Trans-Atlantic slave trade2) Middle Passage3) Sugar cane production in Brazil4) Creation of Capoeira as a survival skill5) Capoeira as a form of rebellion against oppression and enslavement6) Capoeira in Brazil’s favelas (slums)a) What is a favelab) Who are primary residentsc) Capoeira’s role in protecting children from drug cartels7) Capoeira’s popularity throughout the world8) Capoeira’s place in contemporary Brazil9) Capoeira’s recognition as a culturally unique art form worthy of preservation

Core   Elementary School   Middle School

Capoiera

Songs

1) Portuguese language
2) Call and response
3) Sing with rhythmic clapping
4) Sing, blending with instruments
5) Sing to encourage the Capoeiristas (players)

Core   Elementary School   Middle School

Capoiera

Instruments

1) Berimbau (one-stringed percussion instrument unique to Capoeira)
2) Pandeiro (large tambourine/frame drum)
3) Caxixi (straw rattles)
4) Atabaque (drum)
5) Agogo (cowbell)

Core   Elementary School   Middle School

Capoiera

Moves

1) Warm up with non-locomotor movements like bending, twisting, stretching2) Begin basic locomotor moves that might be used in Capoeira, like running, hopping, sliding, jumping3) Practice moving forward, backward, sideways, turning4) Explore personal space as well as space in the roda (circle)5) Learn basic Capoeira movesa) Ginga (fundamental rhythmic swing motion move)b) Au (cartwheel)c) Negativa (key transitional ground move)d) Role (roll)e) Ponte (basic back bridge)f) Queda de rins (basic evasive move on side, supported by elbow)g) Macaco (low back flip)

Core   Elementary School   Middle School

Capoiera

Play

1) Proper etiquette in the roda (circle)
2) Following cues given by Capoeira master leading roda
3) Explore mirroring movements with partner
4) Blend movement with music
5) Accompany players with music and song
6) Explore defensive moves
7) Explore proper responses to offensive moves by another player

Core   Elementary School   Middle School

Capoiera

Dance

1) Learn history of Maculele, a traditional Afro Brazilian dance created by African slaves working sugar plantations of Brazil2) Learn basic movements of Maculelea) Imitate movement and motion of chopping sugar caneb) Learn to manipulate sticks that represent the machetes used to chop the sugar canec) Learn protocol of dancing Maculele in relationship to the roda (circle)3) Learn songs of Maculelea) Gain understanding of Yoruba language pertaining to songs of Maculeleb) Sing songs in rhythm to beating of sticks representing machetesc) Learn to lead songs4) Learn to play the rhythms of Maculele on traditional instruments, also used in Capoeiraa) RhythmsCongoAfoxeBarra Ventob) InstrumentsAtabaque (drum)Agogo (cowbell)Rhythm sticks (representing machetes)5) Demonstrate mastery of dancing Maculele in the rodaa) Two players in center of circleb) Keep rhythm with sticks to accompany players/dancersc) Accompany players/dancers with instrumentsd) Take turns leading the songs

Core   Elementary School   Middle School