Capoeira is a dynamic, energizing, Afro-Brazilian martial art created by enslaved people from Africa during the colonization of Brazil. This one hour program will begin by introducing capoeira as a unique movement practice and sharing a bit of its rich history. Members of our school in Northampton will then demonstrate a capoeira roda with games and live music. We will teach the audience how to add their energy to the circle with clapping and singing an easy call and response song in Portuguese. Everybody will have the opportunity to learn beginning acrobatic movements, the basic ginga step, and practice kicks and escapes with partners to get a feel for the rhythm and play of capoeira in their bodies.

Capoeira Gunga do Vale formed in the pioneer valley under the leadership of Formado Bicicleta (Bruno Trindade) in 2017. Bicicleta, Estagiaria Trança (Tara Borgilt), and Ligeirinho (Klajd Kovaci) teach classes for adults and kids four days a week in our downtown studio in Northampton. Our group offers a container for growth and play, where the expanding freedom of each individual is our collective mission. Sign up to try your first class free!