Capoeira is an African-Brazilian practice that combines fighting, song, and dancing, displaying a unique mix of movement, music, politics, and culture. Originating amongst enslaved Africans in Brazil as a form of resisting their oppressors, capoeira has remained a powerful force of change in Brazilian society and has rapidly spread across the world. Capoeira comes the streets and has been a refuge for many young people who may not be able to afford most luxuries and hobbies. It provides a safe space for growth along with mentorship and a place where we can come together, move, and learn as a community.
Raizes de Rua is a capoeira group founded by Mestre Pastel, a native of the famous Mercado Modelo in Salvador, Bahia— a birthplace of Capoeira. While there are two main styles of capoeira—Angola, a style characterized by slower movements and more dance-like; Regional, generally faster and involving more acrobatics—Raizes de Rua plays a mix of both. We call this "capoeira de rua" (street capoeira). Classes will consist of singing, playing instruments (Berimbau, Atabaque, Agogo), movement, and discussions of capoeira's history and importance today.
Please join us in learning capoeira, and having a fun time! All bodies, genders, sexualities, roots, levels...everyone is welcome!