Tell us a little about Capoeira:
Capoeira emerged in Brazil as a means of empowerment for the enslaved Africans. It is an art of self-defense that is hidden in dance and played as a friendly game between practitioners inside a circle with music and songs. It develops strong, agile muscles, a means for schooling younger generations, bringing people together to build a cohesive community, and invites individuals to express their respect for each other. Capoeira today retains the playful quality and is enjoyed as a beautiful dance. Many modern practitioners find capoeira to be physically and artistically fulfilling. The capoeira community continues to grow, as capoeira spreads across five continents and to millions of people worldwide.
What inspired you to start the Afro Brazil Arts organization?
I’ve dedicated over 25 years to enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds through classes and performances in capoeira, the Brazilian form of self-defense disguised as dance.
What is your mission?
Founded in 1991, ABAs mission is to inspire leadership and community through capoeira.
Tell us a little about your classes.
Afro Brazil Arts provides capoeira classes both during school time and after-school, culminating in performances by youth to peers and community.
Each class focuses on elements of achievement, leadership and community. The teaching artist opens a dialogue in order to create a safe-space where students are able to support one another and achieve higher expectations. Leadership training includes public speaking, role playing, and peer leading.
Afro Brazil Arts provides capoeira classes that focus on creating and supporting achievement, leadership, and community through focus, discipline, and respect (FDR).
How can the public contribute to your cause?
ABA’s programs continue to grow. In order to offer high quality programming to the youth and to the community, we need the support and generosity of friends and members. You can support Afro Brazil Arts by:
1. FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
ABA is a 501c3 non-profit organizations. All financial contributions are fully tax deductible.
2. IN KIND DONATIONS
Afro Brazil Arts welcomes donations of goods and services. Areas include: printing, copying, classroom supplies, and office supplies. We also welcome support from individuals who can contribute to ABA by providing guidance in fundraising and development, public relations, and web development and design.
To get more information or to join our mailing list, please contact us at: (212) 677-2203 or mg@afrobrazilarts.org
To learn more, visit Afro Brazil Arts at: http://www.afrobrazilarts.org/
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