Capoeira Orlando

Capoeira is a deceptive game, a warrior’s dance, a gymnastics exhibition, an acrobatics show, a martial arts system. For many practitioners, Capoeira is a lifestyle, an international family, a tradition, a philosophy and much more.

One of the fastest growing art forms in the world today, Capoeira is dynamic and fun. Unique in that it is “played” to music and song, its techniques vary from exciting aerial kicks and gymnastic (or acrobatic) movements to deceptive sleights of the hand and foot.

To grasp its energy, grace and power it is helpful to understand Capoeira’s inception.

Capoeira dates back hundreds of years to the slave trade period in Brazil. African slaves were brought to Brazil to work in the tobacco and sugar farms. They were brought in from many different parts of Africa and there began a melding of cultures. While their conditions looked bleak, the slaves kept their hopes of freedom alive by practicing their native traditions. Then, disguised as a cultural dance, the slaves began to practice Capoeira. Acrobatics, sweeps, kicks, ginga… Capoeira was born. But Capoeira gave slaves more than hope.