“… diverse discourses and attitudes are pervasive in an environment in which philosophical empathies and disagreements are made even more evident through bodily interactions…” (more…)
Whether you have something positive or negative to say about your experience in Capoeira, your participation is relevant to this project. Come and have your say about your concerns and experiences as a Capoeira artist, about the role of the Art-form within your community. Through discussions and comments we will learn more about the potentialities and shortcomings of Capoeira a social inclusive tool. (more…)
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…)
This is the second part of my interview with Tarek ‘Laranja’, a socially engaged Capoeira teacher from Syria. Tarek’s newest project ‘Bidna Capoeira’ – “We want Capoeira!” in English – aims to inspire teachers from around the world to take action in areas of conflict and social difficulties through Capoeira programmes. ‘Laranja’ also shares his motivations and the shortcomings of such actions.
Tarek “Laranja” Alsaleh was the first practitioner to introduce Caopeira in Syria. Different from many enthralled young teachers who chose to ‘train just for fun’, Tarek believes that helping children and youth to find joy in their lives is no longer a choice, but an obligation. He coordinates various different projects utilising Capoeira as a socio-educative instrument in different locations. Through CapoeirArab, he launched the “Free for Kids project”, a programme assisting over 500 Iraqi/Palestinian refugees and children in areas of extreme social conditions. Currently Tarek is working to launch ‘Bidna Capoeira’ a NGO that aims ‘to bring capoeira to people in difficult situations around the world’, as he puts it. This is the first part of my interview with Tarek.
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.
Palestinian children from Iraq learn ‘capoeira’ – an Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, music and dance – at al-Tanf refugee camp in Syria.
By Magda Qandil
