Capoeira Club

                                                                   capoeira classes at Zion Arts Centre in Hulme every weekAbout Capoeira Angola

Capoeira Angola is a rich cultural art form that originated with African slaves who were taken to Brazil in the 1600s. It incorporates elements of fight, dance, self-expression, game play, music, singing and ritual. Capoeira takes place in the context of a game played between two people within a 'rada' (circle) that is made up of all the participants. Eight of the participants are responsible for playing the music that will lead the rhythm and energy of the games, this is known as the 'bateria'. The master will start the games by singing the 'ladainha' which is often a story recounting a part of the history of Capoeira in Portuguese. Following this the singer is joined by all the participants using a call and response style of singing.

The first two players are directed into the 'rada' by the Master, their bodies moving in synch with the music and at the same time complementing the movements of their partner. Unlike a fight in which it is competitiveness and aggression that are often rewarded, in Capoeira Angola it is the aesthetics of the game, control of the body and use of wit that are seen as positive attributes. Therefore a degree of collaboration between players is needed -  without leaving themselves open to attack.

Teachers

There are so many benefits to Capoeira for example

  • Mental - The cultural context of the artform, problem solving, sensory awareness
  • Physical - Co-ordination, spatial awareness, control and flexibility
  • Social - Interaction with the group through music, collaboration, listening and respecting
  • Creative - Individual expression  and improvisation is encouraged through dance and music
  • Psychological - Taking risks, gaining in confidence and self esteem, positive personal development.

About the Artist

William Sousa is a Brazilian native and was previously an active member of GCAP for sixteen years. He started training Capoeira Angola in Belo Horizonte as a teenager. Since then, he has spent approximately ten years working on projects run by local organisations teaching caoeira to socially deprived children and adolescents. In 2003 he arrived in Manchester and was hired to teach at Manchester College of Arts and Technology (MANCAT). In 2005 he also started teaching caoeira for the Leeds University Capoeira Club. Most recently William has set up a base at Zion Arts Studio space running weekly workshops and projects for the Northwest with his group ACCA with the aim to practice and promote the art of Capoeira Angola in the UK with people of all ages and backgrounds. For more information visit www.acca-manchester.org.uk

For more information about Capoeira or to organise a workshop or project at your school please contact our Learning & Participation Officer Vicky Clarke on 0161 226 1912 or email vicky@zionarts.com

 

Capoeira Workshops at Zion

Capoeira experts run weekly classes at the Zion centre teaching music and movement to both children and young people. Also on the last Saturday of every month they hold a 'Roda' in which anyone is welcome to come and observe and perhaps even participate!

Thursdays
Capoeira with ACCA (age 16+)
£7/£2 Under 18s

Saturdays
Capoeira for Kids with ACCA (age 2-16)
Free!

Capoeira with ACCA (age 16+)
£7/£2 Under 18s

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