Capoeira

Capoeira combines martial arts, a form of self-defense, dance, all in an art form, . This movement combines spins, turns, precisely-aimed kicks, evasive defense moves, and acrobatics into a rich fabric of motion, percussion, and song.

The seeds of capoeira were sown by the African slaves taken from the region of Angola. The original movements were based on a courtship dance called "The Zebra Dance," in which men would engage in mock fights for the right to marry.

In Brazil, this ritual dance then evolved into a form of self-defense. Capoeira's movements of attack and defense were blended with dance steps and acrobatics so that the plantation overseer would instead see a strange but harmless dance.

The slaves also began using musical instruments, such as the berimbau and the atabaque, as a way to disguise capoeira. Different rhythms were even created to alert capoeiristas of approaching danger and avoid being caught. What was once considered to be a disreputable pastime is now a nationally recognized sport that has spread from Brazil to the rest of the world.

In Brazil, capoeira is rivaled in popularity only by soccer. These images were made in Denver on July 12, 2008 during a Batizado celebration where students are initiated into a higher belt of achievement. Eleuterio Fierros aka Instructor Gaviao, oversaw the initiations. He teaches in the Denver area. More can be learned at: http://www.capoeiradenver.com/