10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Capoeira

1. What Is Capoeira?

Capoeira is a martial arts dance in which performers infuse music, gymnastics, strength, and flexibility to mimic the movements of a fight.

2. The Origin and History

Capoeira is based off of means of self defense used by early western Africans. The African slaves used capoeira to mask their fighting moves as a form of dance by accompanying the movements to music. This form of defense became a crucial tool when the slaves in Brazil were told that if they fought on the front line in the War of Paraguay and returned back alive, they would be given freedom. At this time guns were not as common as hand-to-hand fighting therefore the slaves, who were skilled in martial arts, defeated the Paraguayans because of capoeira.

3. Where It Is Performed

Capoeira can be performed in a more casual setting such as outside with a smaller group or it can be performed on a stage in front of a larger crowd.

4. The Type Of Instruments Used

The ensemble of instruments used to play Capoeira is called a Bateria. There are five main instruments used: berimbau, pandeiro, atabaque, agogo, and reco-reco. The berimbau is a musical bow with a woven rattle attached to the end called a caxixi. The caxixi is filled with seeds or beads to produce a sound. The pandeiro is a type of tambourine that is originally from East Africa. The atabaque is a hand drum that can come in different sizes but is typically tall. The agogo is made up of a smaller bell attached to a larger bell. These bells are typically made from iron. The reco-reco is a piece of bamboo or other type of wood that has ridges/grooves which produce sound when another wooden stick is rubbed over the grooves.

5. How To Play A Berimbau

The berimbau is played by holding the bow upright in your non-dominant hand. The hollow gourd which is located at the end of the instrument is pressed against your stomach with the hollow end facing toward you. The hollow gourd allows you to change the resonance and timbre of the sound by pressing the gourd toward or away from your stomach. While holding the berimbau you also use the thumb and index finger to hold the dobrão. This is a disc made of metal or stone that is placed between the wire and the frame of the berimbau. This also creates a different sound during the performance. In your dominant hand a stick and the caxixí are held. The stick is used to strike the wire and while doing this the rattle shakes producing another layer of sound.

6. The Characteristics of the Music

Capoeira uses traditional percussion instruments to produce beautiful, Brazillian rhythms and melodies.The berimbau’s role is to improvise, embellish, and play variations on the rhythm. The atabaque maintains the beat and pace of the piece. The sizes of the bells of the agogo correlate to the overall sound because they are typically tuned a fourth or a fifth apart. The movements of the performers are influenced by the songs sung and the music played. The tempo of the music and rhythm determine how the performers dance.

7. The Songs

There are four main categories that capoeira songs can be apart of: ladainhas, chulas, corridos, and quadras. There are many songs that could be sung during the performance. A traditional song that could be sung, for example, is called “Paraná ê, Paraná ê, Paraná”. This song uses a call and response method which means that typically, the crowd will join in the song by singing the phrases marked in red.

8. There Are Three Different Styles: Regional, Angola, and Contemporânea

Capoeira regional was introduced by Mestre (Master) Bimba and showcases the physical benefits of the dance. The music in capoeira regional is usually played by using one berimbau and two pandeiros but is played at a faster pace than capoeira angola. The dance usually lasts about two to three minutes and emphasis technique. Capoeira regional typically uses the song categories of quadras and corridos.

Capoeira angola was organized by Mestre Pastinha who created a more traditional style. Capoeira Angola is considered as the oldest rhythm because it brought over from West Africa. This style can be played at different speeds and usually lasts ten minutes. This style also uses the full bacteria which includes: three berimbaus, panders, agogo, reco-reco and atabaque. Capoeira angola typically uses the song categories of ladainhas, chulas, and corridos.

Capoeira contemporânea Grupo Senzala in Rio de Janeiro during the 1960s. This style uses different amounts of instruments depending on whether it is influenced more by regional or angola. Capoeira contemporânea uses primarily the song category of corridos.

9. How It Has Changed

In the late 20th century capoeira started to become more popular with the younger generation. In the 21st century clubs, organizations, and schools devoted to capoeira started. Women also became more included and welcomed into the organizations. These women became highly skilled and have increased in population in the performances.

10. Where It’s Found Today

Capoeira has spread throughout the world and can be watch in many large cities in addition to Brazil. Philadelphia, for example, recently had a Brazillian Festival which featured this traditional art form.