What is capoeira?

    A Brazilain martial art, Capoeira is a truly unique sport: part dance and part fight. The capoeirista moves to the rhythm of the berimbau, an African string instrument, and as the tempo changes, so does the pace and energy of the game. Depending on your point-of-view, capoeira can be seen as a form of exercise, a fast and exciting sport, self-defense, or a game of strategy and survival.

Capoeira Luanda

    From the roots and traditions of Mestre Jelon Viera we present Capoeira Luanda. Bringing to life and celebrating the Angolan roots that helped shape the exploding cultural art we now know as capoeira, Luanda celebrates and honors those Capoeristas that came before us, our mentors in the present and welcomes those who have yet to discover capoeira.

Mestre Jelon

    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.

Instructor Morcego

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 Houston, New York, Framingham, Boston, and all over the country.  He provides workshops and performances for schools, groups, adult education, and individuals.  He also offers group classes in Natick, MA.

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."

Click here to see Morcego playing with Instructor Chulapa of New York.