Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian dance being offered at ASU and around the Valley that provides a vigorous workout by combining martial arts, acrobatics and rhythm.
"A lot of people want to become healthy and this is a fun way to do it," said Monica Urrea, an ASU freshman. "I started capoeira last summer in Columbia and I noticed my body adapted quickly to the strenuous activity," said Urrea.
Jonathan Roberts, an ASU junior, is four classes into his first semester of capoeira and is already noticing increased flexibility, circulation and body awareness.
"I have taken gymnastics and tae kwon do classes in the past, and in comparison, capoeira is more fluid, progressive and organic," said Roberts. "Capoeira reworks the body."
"Capoeira uses a full range of motion. I think that is why it is one of the better art forms to strengthen and bring more flexibility to the body," said Camara, instructor of Grupo Axé Capoeira .
"It allows you to use your hands, feet, torso, back; every aspect of your body is used in capoeira. Where some activities are more vertical or horizontal, capoeira is a full-body engagement," said Camara. "Adults tell me capoeira is a fun way to make their bodies stronger and more flexible. And they get to meet other people while their doing it."
According to Equipe Capoeira Brasileira, one hour of capoeira burns about 500 calories, which is comparable to aerobics and martial arts.
"For true fitness and health, one needs to experience body, mind and spirit together. Capoeira presents itself in that way and that way only," said Camara.
For students, capoeira gives them a new way of expressing themselves, new found freedoms, a new way of moving and a way of connecting with others, said Camara.
The game of capoeira is about malandragem, the ability to take any situation and make it go your way, said Matt Underwood, capoeira instructor from Tempe. The game begins when two capoeristas step into the roda (Portuguese for circle), and begin a conversation with their bodies. When one capoerista throws a martelo, or a hammer kick, the other will esquiva, or escape. The game is played while a band usually consisting of a berimbau, a pandeiro and several drums sets the rhythm and the tone.
Capoeira is a cultural movement from Brazil that encompasses history, music and dance, said Laura Evans, an ASU senior.
"First, capoeira came from the slaves, the slaves that were working in Brazil on the plantations," said Camara. "They used the capoeira to help them discover freedom. So in spite of slavery, they used [capoeira] to find a sense of community, to build their bodies. They used it to learn how to do, most of all, self-defense so they could one day escape from slavery."
The next big event for Grupo Axé Capoeira is its annual Batizado & Troca de Corda performance in March.
The Batizado is a ceremony where the students will play the mestres in hopes of receiving their first belt or changing belts. The Batizado is a full production that makes use of costumes, lighting and music.
"You will be inspired," said Camara. "For our Batizado there will be over 100 participants ranging in age from 6 years old to 65 years old. Thousands of people will see what we are doing because we will be performing in the streets and at the local schools."
Grupo Axé Capoeira will be reaching out to the community in March with a weekend of workshops and rodas leading up to the annual Batizado & Troca de Corda. The workshops will be held on ASU's campus March 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and March 8 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Batizado & Troca de Corda will be held March 9 from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Herberger Theater in downtown Phoenix. For ticket information please visit their website at www.axecapoeira-az.com.
"The very nature of capoeira as dance is acrobatics, music, songs, rituals, which are all very rich qualities. If the student opens up to receive these rich qualities, … they become a part of them. Now they go back into the world a more dynamic person, a person who can give more back into life and the community," said Camara.
Reach the reporter at theresa.bloom@asu.edu.
