World dance

Brazil and the Capoeira

Brazil is the one of the biggest latin countries in South America with one of the most varied and diverse cultures thanks to the influence of the Indians, Portuguese, and African cultures. The dominant culture that influenced Brazil was Portuguese because both share the same language, religion, and most of the customs and holidays. Likewise, African influence brought to Brazil some customs like traditional foods, music and dances. The predominant dance of Brazil is the Samba and it is often viewed on famous festivals of Brazil. Although Samba is not the only famous dance of Brazil. When people think about Brazil and its dances there are two dances that stand out and are recognized worldwide: The Samba and the Capoeira.

Capoeira is a Brazilian art form that can be described as a fight, a dance or a game. Capoeira consists in groups of agile, acrobatic, and martial movements joined together in a unique conversation between two Capoeiristas (the ones that practice Capoeira). They do the movements in the Ronda, the circle were the movements (kicks, takedowns, escapes, etc) are realized. In several part of the world, the Capoeira works as an entertainment for the people. The Capoeiristas do a choreographed dance where two Capoeiristas in the Ronda try to make their competitor fall by using their movements at the rhythm of the music. The ronda’s music consists mainly of an orchestra of three berimbaus, two pandeiros, one atabaque, and a chorus that responds to one of the Capoeiristas on the Ronda that will work as the leader (“The History of Capoeira”). The experts Capoeiristas are called mestres (masters) and they are the ones who made Capoeira’s popularity to rise so much in the Brazilian culture. The Capoeiristas need to be creative in order to make different and unique dances with several movements that could  result interesting or appealing for their public.

As for the history of this material arts/dance it was nearly invented 500 years ago in brazil by african slaves that were held there for trade , because they were taken from their homes and forced into slavery they started coming up with fight combinations that they could use for self defense. As they were held as prisoners they were under a close look from the guards so any type of fighting movements that they would do would be quickly stopped by any of the guards, so they had to think of a smart way that they could practice these dances which was by adding loud music and they would act like they’re dancing so the guards wouldn’t pay the slaves any attention. Along with the traditional african music they would be playing they also sang to the music as well. This allowed them to practice their self defense fighting without getting caught. The Capoeira soon throughout time evolved more into a rebellion dance and was used less for actual self defense as slavery was starting to get abolished.

The Capoeira dance has said to have been linked to an African religion called Candomble. Candomble was spread to Brazil through the African slave trade. The religion is a mixture of a few African cultures and also has connections to Catholicism. Followers are believers in a god called Oludumare, who has lesser gods under him. They have an orixa which they believe to control their destiny.  The religion arose through the religious persecution of the slaves that were in Brazil. With Brazil predominantly being Catholic at the time, the slaves were often converted into christianity. Many practitioners of Candomble instead of fully converting, adopted some aspects to disguise their own worship to their deities. The slaves would meet for “worship” to praise their candomble gods, as well as plan rebellions. The Brazilian government outlawed the practice of Candomble for hundreds of years, until around 1970 it was recognized again. During the time of the slave trade, capoeira was most commonly practiced by followers of the candomble religion. At this period, Capoeira was predominantly a martial arts style, but it was often concealed through dance. During these religious “meets” many slaves would practice capoeira in order to be able to defend themselves and have the power to rebel. Candomble has specific songs for their religious dances in which they praise the gods, and in turn the orixas enter their body. Some of the songs from the praises have been used for Capoeira. The capoeiristas often praise to the Candomble gods in order to attain protection, as well as some wear a protective amulet. Candomble since its reinstatement has come back to the limelight in Brazil and has as many as two million followers, and many are practitioners of capoeira.

As for dances having drama the Capoeira was actually illegal in brazil and everyone that would get caught dancing this dance would be sent to prison. The slaves would form Quilombos, rebellious groups, where they would practice capoeira. Outlawing the dance was an act to try to rid the slaves of their past, but also a means to stop rebellion. The dance being connected to religion gave slaves identity, and in turn hope, so through outlawing it, it was an attempt to increase control over the population. People had to convince the brazilian authorities for years trying to tell them that this dance serves a great cultural purpose and that people should be able to learn the to keep up with cultural history. Many people played a pivotal role in bringing capoeira back. A specific man named Mestre Bimba, who led the charge around 1930 to bring capoeira back. Bimba focused on the martial arts aspect, and through his work, capoeira became a national sport. Over time, the martial arts aspect diminished, and the art form is more commonly practiced as a dance. Even today they have tons of capoeira dance studios open all over the world.

Works Cited

“Religions-Candomble: Beliefs.” BBC, BBC, 2 Feb. 2007, www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/candomble/beliefs/beliefs.shtml .

“Capoeira Auvergne En.” Capoeira Auvergne En, www.capoeira-auvergne.com/en/candomble/.

“Religions - Candomble: Beliefs.” BBC, BBC, 2 Feb. 2007, www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/candomble/beliefs/beliefs.shtml.

“The History of Capoeira”. Capoeirabrasil. http://www.capoeirabrasil.com/the-history-of-capoeira/

“What Is Capoeira?” Capoeira-World.com, www.capoeira-world.com/about-capoeira/what-is-capoeira/.