Despite being a catchy rhythm that hooked everyone in our schools in further rehearsals, Samba de Roda proved to be a powerful complementary tool in the project Learning from Brazilian Culture. Most of our children and youngsters in the project come from a very harsh background. Many of them have experienced violence of different sorts, which seriously compromises their developments as human beings. Among the most common affected aspects of their health is their sexuality and Samba de Roda gives them a playful and secure environment (and ritual) to experiment their sexuality, therefore helping in their process of psycho-social recovery. The rhythm has also empowered those involved in the project by providing a linkage to another culture of resistance. These are some of the reasons why our schools have been hooked by this rhythm. This post discusses some introductory aspects on historical origins, etymological studies, and a few video sources on Samba de Roda 1. (more…)
Although the 13th of May is the official date celebrating the Abolition of slavery in Brazil, politicised people tend to prefer to celebrate this achievement on November 20, the Day of the Black Consciousness. The rationale is simple. Choosing the day of Zumbi’s execution as the date to celebrate the end of slavery, Blacks and Mestizos bring to the centre of the scenario the acknowledgement of the enslaved peoples’ effort towards freedom, instead of a benevolent act from a White Princess. (more…)
Salve Jorge! The martyrdom of St. Geroge is celebrated on 23 April. In different places in Brazil, due to religious syncretism, St. George also represents the Orixás Oxossi and Ogum. Here is my tribute to São Jorge. The songs’ lyrics were translated and I hope they’ll help you understand more about the Brazilian culture and faith. (more…)
Camaradas, Calado sent me this link for 200+ songs (with lyrics) for those who have “i-devices”. Apparently, some of these songs already have Spanish and English translations.
Jogo Aberto, our school’s next event, will be held from the 7th to the 14th of March at Fingal Head, NSW, Australia. The programme is packed with talks, discussions, documentary screening, and of course heaps of good classes and Rodas. Everyone is welcome! From new beginers to advanced students and teachers.
(Captions can be turned on using the ‘cc’ option, on the far right arrow – pointing up – bellow the youtube screen)
“We come from the confluence, the cultural shock, the mingling of the Portuguese invader with our native Indians and African natives. We are a syncretic culture a new people who, despite being the off spring of the fusion of different matrices behave as one people not holding on to the past. We are open to the future. (Ribeiro; 1995)”
Alto Astral Capoeira
Alto Astral Capoeira’s social projects in Brazil and Portugal.
Brincadeira de Angola
An interesting resource for those working with Capoeira classes for children. The website is in portuguese, but you can write their email contact in English.
Jogo do Jogo TV
A channel focused on Capoeira history and philosophy. Very educative videos, interviews, doccos and games (mostly in Portuguese).
Jorge Itapuã's youtube channel
Following the Movimento Novo’s trend, a channel with a diversity of Capoeira games, doccos, and events.
Project GEM & Urban Ritual London
Project gem is a UK registered charity that uses arts activities as a means of engaging inner-city children within society. Urban Ritual is a blog on Capoeira in London
Volta Por Cima / Cordão de Ouro Australia
Volta Por Cima is a non-profit organisation that promotes social inclusion and cultural diversity through the practice of Capoeira.
