The learning experiences I offer are designed to physically immerse students in the techniques, culture, language, and traditions of Capoeira, as well as Forró (Brazilian partner dance), Samba (Brazilian dance), and Maculelê (dance with sticks). As students develop strength, flexibility, stamina, coordination, mind/body awareness, rhythm, and social skills through fighting, singing, dancing, and performing within the Brazilian cultural norms, they will grasp how Brazilians, as a group, act towards life. Consequently, they will form a connection between their own behavior, culture, and ethnicity and how it informs, many times unconsciously, their daily behavior. The classes I teach incorporate history, as well as, anthropological, scientific, philosophical, religious and gender studies as methods for analysis of one’s reflexive cultural behavior.
Capoeira
Invented by Brazilian slaves, the art of capoeira is a complex amalgamation of fight, dance, and ritual. Considered one of the largest black resistance movements, capoeira was outlawed from 1890 to 1940 in what was the first constitution of the Brazilian Republic. As a forbidden movement, capoeira was practiced in secret until one capoeira master was able to bring it out of its fugitive status. The legendary Mestre Bimba (1900 -1974) invented a new style of capoeira, Capoeira Regional. As its savior, Bimba modernized capoeira and Brazilian President Getulio Vargas recognized him as an educator.
Capoeira today is played in 150 countries throughout the world. The art was added to UNESCO's list of cultural manifestations respected as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on November 26, 2014.
Instructor Bio:
Fabio Nascimento – Professor Fuá
During the last twenty-eight years I have practiced the art of capoeira in its entirety. I have mastered the martial art, the tricks, and the dances. I have also mastered capoeira’s percussion instruments as well as the singing techniques and rituals. During the last fifteen years I have taught and performed for people in Brazil, Germany, and currently in the United States. I have lived in Vermont since 2009, and during this time I have introduced capoeira to over three thousand people. I have also founded a capoeira group, Jagube Capoeira. We’ve hosted two international events with two days of workshops, rituals, and dinners and the participation of more than three hundred people from Brazil, United States, Canada, Spain, Colombia, Venezuela, and Israel. Jagube Capoeira Method: Developing Cultural Competence Through Capoeira.