MUSIC CLASSES
If you have instruments, bring them!
ENERGY IN SINGING: community, imagination, storytelling
Pontape & Katjuša
Singing is one of the oldest ritual. In many cultures it started from doing daily chores, the group energy and vocal harmony helped tribes to harvest, plant, carry water,…
It is also one of the oldest ways to transmit knowledge and stories to next generations. As it is an artistic form it has a great ability to transform and adapt.
We will search for the open voice of each participant, co-creating the ambient where we can write our story, express and feel good in our singing.
BERIMBAU IMPROVISATIONS: adding patterns, breaking the rhythm, silence
Pontapé & Cavalo
It is impossible to separate rhythm and movement. It’s in human nature to move on the beat. Since the beginning of time. You can see it in every human activity – be it the chores like seeding, veawing, rowing, hunting, painting or sports. Martial arts. The rhythm is everywhere.
How do we play with it? Incorporate variations? Break it?
Are you a slave to the rhythm or is it liberating you? You will learn to use it to your advantage and be able to transfer the knowledge into your physical game. As you know – there is no movement without the rhythm!
HARMONY IN BATERIA: listening, reacting, transforming
Versatil & Vaqueiro
Did you know that the Capoeira roda is a living organism? That the communication between two players in a roda is not just on a physical level? And that as the game is influenced by the bateria, it can also influence the bateria? The energy goes both ways; the rhythm and the lyrics matter. How good are you at improvising inside the game? Or while singing? What is the rhythm telling you? Learn to listen. React. Transform. To connect with the whole roda. Bring up the axé!
MOVEMENT CLASSES
Will all be accompanied with live bateria.
EXPRESSION IN THE GAME: intention, communication, gestures
Vaqueiro & Katjuša
How do you express and how are you being understood?
We copy movements and gestures in our process of learning. Later it is good to understand their meaning, goal and message to our partner. We all know that our psychological state (that is usually not connected with the situation in roda) also influences the way we play. Which tools help us to open up yet stay centered in our energy and game. We will provide space for you to find your own swing then in a trickster manner deciding what will you do with it.
Throughout the session the emphasis will be on placing the physical movement in context and tune with the music and learn how the two interrelate.
FIGHTING SPIRIT: positioning, timing, technique
Versatil & Cavalo
Capoeira is a proven martial art with a long history on the battlefield and on the streets of one of the most violent cities on the planet. Yet outside of Brazil the effective martial techniques and tactics are seldomly taught. We will explore timing, defense, offense, striking, trapping, moving, falling, and situational awareness. The goal is to understand the intelligence and slyness of Capoeira as a martial art and how the game prepares us for the real world self defense tactics.
Enter into the space. Shake the fear off. Protect yourself. Preserve integrity. Explore the possibilities. Find targets. Every problem has many solutions, think outside the box. Re-discover the roots of capoeira. Every body part is your weapon, learn to use them properly. Discover how to utilize certain takedown techniques depending on your body type. Understand your proper fighting distance and positioning. Consider timing. Grow!
FLOREIOS: Macaco – biomechanics, application, aesthetics
Vaqueiro & Cavalo
Implementing acrobatics (floreios) in the game and revealing their true function – as an attack, defense, escape, diversion, set up, a means of beautifying the game. We will explore the famous macaco (or monkey flip), that will be broken down and passed through understandable steps, respecting the biomechanics and the body types of each participant.
We will be working on finding ways to implement it as a part of your game and how to make it aesthetically appealing.
INSIDE FLOW: cooperation, trust, co-creation
Versatil & Katjuša
Working on the basics, learning about physical flow as well as cooperating. We’ll be exploring the concepts of playing “inside” the partner’s “empty space”; entering the void where at first glance free space does not exist; understanding the timing and space and setting traps.
As a general rule of thumb in the capoeira game speed and agility comes second to good planning and calmness.
CHAMADA: how, why, when
Mestre Pontapé & mestre Versátil
Chamadas (callings) play an important role in Capoeira vocabulary. Often used as a joker card – you make your space (physically & mentaly) and call for a partner’s response.
With chamadas players are able to transform energy and roles in the dialogue.
But be careful, there is nothing innocent about them! Chamadas are like vipers! As quiet as a hunting tiger and as unexpected as a submerged crocodile.
DISCUSSION
Saturday evening
In roda de capoeira, as in life – we pass many different and sometimes opposing conditions. States of mind. Body. Emotions. Spirit. When we are relaxed, we flow effortlessly and communicate fluently with our partner. Sometimes we connect with everybody to the extent we do not even feel exhausted or hungry. We are in a trance state.
Then there are times we get frustrated. Frightened, we tend to close up and things are just not going as we planned. Our energy changes. Our body language too. Trauma shows her face.
We will discuss the opposites and the space between them. How to recognise, approach and overcome the unwanted situations in roda.
How to open, connect and express. Resurrect our being in its full shine.
How to support each other in the process.
Capoeira is a storytelling art. Old stories need to be passed on and new ones are waiting to be created. You can revive them through the expression of your movement, the way you play the instruments, how you enter and exit the roda, what you’re singing about and with what emotions.
