Slavery

Capoeira – Roots in Slavery

Learning objectives:

To explore links between Capoeira in the past and today
Discover how Capoeira was used as a form of resistance by slaves
To model the movements in Capoeira, Brazil’s second most popular sport
To create and perform a set of slow movements evoking feelings of freedom and captivity
Recognising Capoeira dance as expressing basic human rights

You will need:

set of photos of Capoeira in the past
set of photos of Capoeira today
short history (for teachers)
How Capoeira is played
slow Capoeira music: "Capoeira Angola from Salvador, Brazil"
Grupo De Capoeira Angola Pelourinho; Audio CD available from CGE
optional worksheet: Capoeira from National Maritime Museum pack

Time required: 1 hour (depending on time required to create/practice movement sequence and perform)

Instructions:

Introduction: Look at the oldest black and white photos and talk about:

Where is this?
What is happening?
Why is it happening?
When is it happening?

Teacher shares brief history of Capoeira with students

Look at modern photos (for many more click here)

Where is this?
What is happening?
Why is it happening?
When is it happening?

Model the movements in Capoeira, then create and perform a set of movements evoking feelings of freedom and captivity

Discussion:

What basic rights are being expressed?
Why do you think Capoeira is very popular today in Brazil (and around the world)?

What can I do?

Join Capoeira York! Go to www.capoeirayork.com

Additional Resources:

Rights through dance p.92-95 Partners in Rights Save the Children, can be loaned from CGE

Book Capoeira York to lead a session in school

Short history of Capoeira

Capoeira is originally from Angolan and Nigerian traditions
The Portuguese arrived in Brazil in 1510 and brought Africans as slaves to work on the sugar plantations
More than two million slaves were brought to Brazil from Africa
The African slaves developed Capoeira as a style of fighting and self defence (like a martial art) but disguised as dance
Capoeira allowed slaved to celebrate their culture using percussion instruments and songs
Some slaves escaped and over time hidden communities called quilombos grow up such as in Palmares where the first forms of Capoeira were developed
The Brazil government felt Capoeira was a threat and banned it until 1930
The first Capoeira school opened in 1937
1974 the first Capoeira federation was created, they now exist all over the world

In Recife, a group of 40 slaves rebelled against their master burned the plantation house. and set themselves free. They headed to the mountains, a trip that took many months to complete. Had it not been for the help they received from the Indians, this journey would have been impossible. Eventually they reached a safe place, which because of its abundance of palm trees they named Palmares. In this place an African community was born; a community which lasted nearly a century. In this community the first forms of Capoeira were developed.

How Capoeira is played

Brazilians call Capoeira a game. Capoeira is "played" inside a circle called the Roda. Music is played, and everyone sings and claps while two players interact in the centre. The leading instrument is a berimbau. Also played is a drum called an atabaque and a pandeiro (tambourine). A berimbau is a one stringed, bow shaped instrument with a gourd attached to one end to give resonance.

This circle is the most exciting part of Capoeira.
Instructor Itabora, Santa Cruz.

The game of Capoeira requires the use of intuition and foresight and does not rely solely on the use of physical strength. During the game the capoeiristas skillfully expose the limitations of their opponents and engage in playful attacks and counterattacks thus better enabling themselves to discover their personal power.
Professora Marcia Cigarra

It's subtle blending of gymnastics and dance moves make the capoeira game unique in the world of martial arts. The challenge for the player is to harmoniously meld together in a powerful flow the balance and flexibility of acrobatics, the grace and strength of dance, the speed and cunning of the fight, and the rhythms of the music. If these components are isolated, the essence of capoeira is lost.
McGuire - East/West Journal

Capoeira in the past

Where is this?
What is happening?
Why is it happening?
When is it happening?

In Angola

A Pioneer in Brazil

Capoeira today

Where is this?
What is happening?
Why is it happening?
When is it happening?

The main upside down movement is called ‘au’ , a basic handstand.