About Capoeira

Capoeira is a Brazilian cultural experience/martial art created by African slaves in Brazil as a form of self-defense and cultural preservation against the oppressive slave owners.  It is "played" in a roda (circle) by two capoeiristas who exchange a spontaneous combination of kicks, offensive moves, acrobatics and floor maneuvers. While the capoeiristas in the center of the roda  engage in a dynamic and intriguing "conversation," others forming the roda sing in chorus and clap to the rhythm played on the berimbau, the stringed bow-like instrument that leads the roda.  The atabaque, pandeiro and agog? accompany the berimbau.