Capoeira
Cai Na
For all ages + abilities
What is Capoeira?
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that incorporates elements of sport, music, martial art and dance into a game of physical dialogue and expression. Developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil during the 16th century, Capoeira was born as a martial art that would be used to fight for freedom. The founding capoeiristas disguised the fight as a dance to prevent their enslavers from discovering that they were training to revolt. Binding together elements of sport, music, dance, martial skills and camaraderie, capoeira is a form of resistance art that comprises one of the richest manifestations of Brazilian culture.At CNC, we work with capoeira as a tool to engage people of all ages and capacities in the principles of cooperation, mutual respect, community building, cross cultural learning, personal discipline and self expression. Our guiding principle is that every individual is capable of exploring and expanding their physical and psychosocial horizons through play, music, activity and community.
What We Offer
Classes
Our capoeira classes are designed for everyone to develop flexibility, strength, coordination, balance and rhythm. Through the songs of capoeira, students also learn Brazilian Portuguese, instruments and history.
Afterschool programs
Students learn to move their bodies, in a new way, while playing and learning about the environment where this art form originated.
Private Lessons
1:1 or small group learning settings are available for those with specific goals or time constraints.
Performances
Shows featuring Capoeira, Maculele and Samba can be arranged to suit any occasion!
About Us
Contra Mestre Cabeção
Contra Mestre Cabeção has more than 25 years of experience studying and teaching Capoeira as well as a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education. His journey with Capoeira began with Mestre Esquilo in Sete Lagoas, MG, Brasil in June 1996. In 2010 he organized a Capoeira project with SESI - Servico Social da Industria, for children ages 3-10. He participated in numerous Capoeira events throughout Brazil, Israel and the USA and has been performing and teaching in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and various other locations in the U.S. since April 2011.
In January 2012 Contra Mestre Cabeção and his partner, Professora Areia, started teaching in Westchester county, NY. We hosted the group's first annual batizado (a ceremony to deliver the first cordão to each of the students and an event to celebrate our existence as a group) in October 2012. We have been working as Cai Na Capoeira in the Lower Hudson Valley region to organize classes, workshops, performances and events with the intention of promoting capoeira and all elements of music, culture, health, dance and the arts.
Professora Areia
Professora Areia was first introduced to capoeira at Capoeira Mandinga Com Expressão in Rochester, NY during the Fall 2007. She continued her practice with a few different capoeira groups during her post-graduate travels and eventually settled back home in the Hudson Valley where in September 2009 she began training with Professora Casca Dura, and Mestre Zumbi (International Capoeira School - Mestre Esquilo). Years of capoeira practice and collaborative work - mostly her work assisting with children's classes - inspired her to return to school to study Health Sciences and Occupational Therapy. She has since become our in-house OT consultant, using her various areas of expertise to facilitate our ability to offer integrated and adapted capoeira classes. Beyond assisting Contra Mestre Cabeção with classes and performances, Professora Areia has led introductory and adapted capoeira workshops for SUNY Purchase's Performing Arts Workshop Series (PAWS), the Steffi Nossen School of Modern Dance's Master Class Series, the 2013 Caregivers Retreat hosted by the Alzheimer's Association of Hudson Valley, and more.
