Harmony Around the World: Brazil

In Brazil, a popular go-to dance activity is Capoeira.  More than a fad fitness class, Capoeira has been a tradition on Brazil for hundreds of years.  Unlike Zumba or other common dance/fitness classes in the United States that combine exercise with pop, rock or rap hits, Capoeira is a high energy dance performed to rhythmic drumbeats and chants. The dance can be described as part martial arts, part dance, part endurance, and all fun.

The Capoeira encompasses a back and forth between dancers, weaving a story such as an underdog overcoming stronger competition.  Although the dance is rooted in martial arts, there is no physical contact in the performance.  It can be presented as a choreographed dance or as a competition.  In competition forms, each dancer attempts to make the other lose rhythm or fall out of their steps.

Capoeira is an intense cardiovascular workout and can take years to learn.  Strength, flexibility and acrobatics are all incorporated into this dance style.  It features a variety of bends,turns and kicks such as:

Ginga, a side to side swaying movement used as both offense and defense

Equiava, a series of low and side dodge movements

Meia-lua de compasso, an evasive maneuver that incorporates a kick

Although a trip to Brazil would be amazing, you don’t have to go there to learn Capoeira.  Brazilian Capoeira classes can be found throughout the United States.  If you love dancing, martial arts, or just learning something new, why not give it a try?