Capoeira (Pronounced ka-poo-eyh-da) is an African-Brazilian martial art that incorporates acrobatics, dance, music, and songs in a rhythmic dialogue of body, mind, and spirit. It is a communal game in which two opponents play each other inside the roda (a circle), formed by the other players who create rhythm for the game by clapping, singing and playing the berimbaus (African-Brazilian traditional instruments, considered the soul of Capoeira) and other key instruments. The two opponents compete with each other using capoeira movements, camouflaging the self defense kicks and moves with playful acrobatics and dance-like moves spontaneously creating strategy to fool their partner and catch them off guard.
Batizado
The Batizado was created by the great Mestre Bimba and literally means "baptism." It is a moment of great significance for the capoeiristas. Beside being an initiation rite for new students, the Batizado also welcomes them into the world of Capoeira. As part of the Batizado, students are invited to play with various Capoeira Masters in an exhilarating and fun-filled game. For the more advanced students, the Batizado is an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and pass to the next corda, (colored cord). It is also a time for great Capoeira Masters to come together, share their spirit and reveal Capoeira's mystical and captivating essence, camaraderie and interplay. The first Capoeira Batizado in the United States was presented by Mestre Jelon in 1976. He has passed down this traditional art form to new generations of capoeiristas.
Roda
The roda (circle) is where Capoeira lives. Watching a roda you will see Capoeira played at many skill levels and performed with many individual styles. But above and beyond all these differences, you will experience the magic of Capoeira. Berimbau
Capoeira Luanda was born from the union of capoeiristas from different times and experiences, with the effective participation of all professors, instructors and graduates of Mestre Jelon. Capoeira Luanda was founded on April 6th, 2007, after a long process of research and study under the direction and guidance of Mestre Jelon.
Instructor Morcego, born Alexandro Silveira in Salvador Bahia, has been training capoeira since age 7. Morcego recently moved to the United States to continue his mission of sharing Brazilian culture and the art of capoeira with the world. Instructor Morcego has performed in Hamilton, Bermuda visited the island at the weekend to support charity Project Change: Bermuda, which provides reconstructive surgery for people living in poverty around the world, Houston, New York, Framingham, Boston, and all over the country. He provides workshops and performances for schools, groups, adult education, and individuals.
In addition, Instructor Morcego enjoys the music of capoeira and has written many original songs that attest to his talent in all areas of the art. Here is one of Morcego's songs, "Birimbau Chamou Voce."
Mestre Jelon Vieira is the Founder and Artistic Director of Capoeira Foundation and DanceBrazil. He has earned much acclaim as a broadly talented choreographer, and a world renowned master and teacher of capoeira. Born in Bahia, Brazil, Mr. Vieira studied capoeira with the famous Mestres Bimba, Eziquiel, and Bobo. Since his arrival in the US in 1975, Mr. Vieira has catalyzed the growing interest in and understanding of Brazilian culture while simultaneously developing his own choreographic style that blends tradition Afro-Brazilian dance and North American modern dance. In 1976 he formed the Capoeiras of Bahia with Loremil Machado. Then, in 1977, Mr. Vieira founded DanceBrazil, and for the last 20 years has guided the company through breathtaking performances of capoeira and Afro-Brazilian dance.
Capoeira Luanda was born from the union of capoeiristas from different times and experiences, with the effective participation of all professors, instructors and graduates of Mestre Jelon. Capoeira Luanda was founded on April 6th, 2007, after a long process of research and study under the direction and guidance of Mestre Jelon.
Instructor Morcego, born Alexandro Silveira in Salvador Bahia, has been training capoeira since age 7. Morcego recently moved to the United States to continue his mission of sharing Brazilian culture and the art of capoeira with the world.
Mestre Jelon Vieira is the Founder and Artistic Director of Capoeira Foundation and DanceBrazil. He has earned much acclaim as a broadly talented choreographer, and a world renowned master and teacher of capoeira. Born in Bahia, Brazil, Mr. Vieira studied capoeira with the famous Mestres Bimba, Eziquiel, and Bobo.