In state of Bahia of all saints, the city of Santo Amaro de Purificacao is marked by the colors of carnivals. It is very abundant in popular cultural manifestations that were born in Africa, and now enrich Brasilian culture. It is the nucleus of Capoeira history and was greatly marked by the birth of Maculele.
Maculele is a dance of strong body expression, where people dance in a group and beat sticks to the rhythm of atabaques and the vibration of songs sung by the players. It has always been the high point in popular parties. Maculele was also played at religious celebrations such as the one honoring the towns patron saint, Nossa Senhora da Purificacao, on February 2nd. Among all of the festive acts in Santo Amaro, Maculele was always the most contagious to those who celebrated because of its beautiful colors and soulful rhythm.
Maculele’s origins are somewhat obscure. Some believe that it was a popular act that originated in Africa. It flourished in the beginning of the eighteenth century in carnivals in Santo Amaro and was later integrated into the towns many celebrations. Other people believe that Maculele has indigenous roots, which would make it Afro-indiginous.
In the beginning of the twentieth century, Maculele stopped being a part of many celebrations because the great Maculele masters of Santo Amaro da Purificacao died out. In 1943, a new master appeared. Paulino Aluisio de Andrade, better known as Popo do Maculele, is now considered the father of Maculele in Brasil. Mestre Popo gathered friends and family and taught them the dance. He based it on his memories and planned on re-introducing it into the local religious celebnrations. He formed a group called Conjunto de Maculele de Santo Amaro, that soon grew and became well known.
In studies done by Manoel Querino (1851-1923), more information was found on the roots of Maculele. He found indications that Maculele was derived from Cucumbi, a dramatic dance in which negroes would hit pieces of wood and sing to the rhythm. In the Dictionary of Brasilian Folclore, Luis da Camara Cascudo points out the similarities of Maculele with similar practices done in the Congo and in Mozambique. Another good source of information on Maculele is Olele Maculele, a book by Emilia Biancardi. It is one of the most complete studies done on the subject.
Now a days, Maculele has been integrated in folkloric activities done in Brasil. It is often performed during capoeira presentations, and in folkloric groups within schools and universities. That said, it is important to relate the words of Augusto Jose Fascio Lopes. He is mestre Bahiano Anzol, an ex-student of mestre Bimba’s and a Capoeira teacher at the Federal University in Rio de Janeiro.
“…Because of dissemination, Maculele has suffered profound alterations in its choreography and sound. The result translates into a de-characterization. For example: what used to be presented as a dance done in a circle with two people in the center moving to the command of the mestre of Maculele, was substituted by an entrance of two straight lines of people dancing in an isolated manner and no longer having the command of a Maculele master. The broken gingado somewhat like frevo, was substituted for a harder ginga, with little swing.
“In recent years, presentations have abandoned the two straight lines. Instead, each person stands alone and is not paired up. Each person works on moves separately. It looks more like a common gym class than a rich folkloric presentation.
“It must be noted that not only Maculele, but all popular manifestations are often exposed to changes as time goes by and the older they get. (…) It is my understanding that all these modifications must be registered so that researchers in the future can study the transformations undergone and to better orient those who wish to learn this popular practice of extreme aesthetic, rhythmic, and musical richness that is Maculele.”
An ancient legend tells that Maculele’s practice was based on one episode that took place in a primitive village in Nigeria, Africa. One day, all of the villages warriors went hunting. The village was left with 22 men (most of which were elderly), women, and children. Knowing of the fact, an enemy tribe took advantage of their absence and forged an attack using all of their warriors. The 22 men in the village only had short sticks to defend themselves with. They defied their offenders with such rage that the attacking tribe left. Upon their arrival, the villages warriors became aware of the event. They had a grand party in which the 22 men were to demonstrate how they won the battle. That day was later frequently celebrated by the tribe members. They enhanced it with atabaques, music, and rich corporal expression. The dance became a way of remembering and honoring the courage that the brave men had.
Source: http://www.mestrechuvisco.com/docs/TheHistoryofMaculele.html
By: Cedric Grosjean
Today dancing is a hobby and a pleasant pastime for many people from different countries. It is obvious that various dancing techniques differ in their origins. Capoeira has become a distinguishable type of dancing that originated from a martial art. Today capoeira is a mixture of dance, acrobatics and music that attracts a lot of dancers and viewers. A capoeira dancer wearing comfortable jazz pant can create an unforgettable performance that impresses a wide audience.
The history of capoeira goes back to the 17th century. At that time many African slaves were taken to Brazil. They brought their music and culture to their new homes. It is worth noticing that music always played an important role in capoeira as it not only provided rhythm for performances but also brought joy to many viewers. Capoeira was not a simple dance as it included some techniques of martial arts. Two dancers, the attacker and the opponent, showed brilliant acrobatic moves that resembled a real fight and amused spectators. It is worth noticing that in the 19th century capoeira was prohibited. Some capoeira performers learned techniques of a martial art and even used them in some illegal activities.
It is important to note that this breathtaking dancing technique was legalised in 1937 when a man called Mastre Bimba founded the first school of capoeira. Later capoeira was proclaimed the National Sport of Brazil. It has become a part of Brazilian culture that may inspire a person to put on a comfortable jazz pant on and learn some exotic movements. It is essential to note that today many American and European dance schools include capoeira in their curriculum.
It is worth mentioning that capoeira performances always feature special music and choreography. Musicians play special instruments like beribau, tambourines and drums creating a proper rhythm and tempo for performers. Capoeira is distinguished by a special choreography of its performers. It is full of takedowns, kicks, feints, leg sweeps and other acrobatic elements. A skilful capoeira dancer wearing a comfortable jazz pant enters the circle with some acrobatic move like a cartwheel or somersault. The dancer faces his opponent with whom he or she creates a breathtaking show. It is important to notice that opponents don't hurt each other but demonstrate their skills.
It is interesting that dancers undergo special rituals called Batizados or baptisms into capoeira before they become real capoeira performers. Batizados are very popular with many amateur and professional dancers. Everyone wears a comfortable jazz pant and demonstrates individual skills to the audience. After Batizados beginners get special belts and nicknames and become members of different capoeira groups.
It goes without saying that multiple dancing techniques are popular with many people from different countries. Capoeira is one of the most famous techniques in Brazil. It combines elements of acrobatics, dancing and martial arts. A capoeira dancer performing in a stretchable jazz pant impresses the audience with his or her outstanding skills. It is worth mentioning that today extraordinary choreography of capoeira attracts the attention of people not only in Brazil but in other countries all over the world.
Articles Source:http://business.ezinemark.com/capoeira-makes-more-and-more-dancers-put-their-jazz-pants-on-31bb688a2e5.html
About the Author:For further information regarding our range of jazz pant and other dance products, please visit our website at http://www.dancedirect.com.
Today dancing is a hobby and a pleasant pastime for many people from different countries. It is obvious that various dancing techniques differ in their origins. Capoeira has become a distinguishable type of dancing that originated from a martial art. Today capoeira is a mixture of dance, acrobatics and music that attracts a lot of dancers and viewers. A capoeira dancer wearing comfortable jazz pant can create an unforgettable performance that impresses a wide audience.
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| Chico capoeira http://www.thekatespanos.com |
The history of capoeira goes back to the 17th century. At that time many African slaves were taken to Brazil. They brought their music and culture to their new homes. It is worth noticing that music always played an important role in capoeira as it not only provided rhythm for performances but also brought joy to many viewers. Capoeira was not a simple dance as it included some techniques of martial arts. Two dancers, the attacker and the opponent, showed brilliant acrobatic moves that resembled a real fight and amused spectators. It is worth noticing that in the 19th century capoeira was prohibited. Some capoeira performers learned techniques of a martial art and even used them in some illegal activities.
It is important to note that this breathtaking dancing technique was legalised in 1937 when a man called Mastre Bimba founded the first school of capoeira. Later capoeira was proclaimed the National Sport of Brazil. It has become a part of Brazilian culture that may inspire a person to put on a comfortable jazz pant on and learn some exotic movements. It is essential to note that today many American and European dance schools include capoeira in their curriculum.
It is worth mentioning that capoeira performances always feature special music and choreography. Musicians play special instruments like beribau, tambourines and drums creating a proper rhythm and tempo for performers. Capoeira is distinguished by a special choreography of its performers. It is full of takedowns, kicks, feints, leg sweeps and other acrobatic elements. A skilful capoeira dancer wearing a comfortable jazz pant enters the circle with some acrobatic move like a cartwheel or somersault. The dancer faces his opponent with whom he or she creates a breathtaking show. It is important to notice that opponents don't hurt each other but demonstrate their skills.
It is interesting that dancers undergo special rituals called Batizados or baptisms into capoeira before they become real capoeira performers. Batizados are very popular with many amateur and professional dancers. Everyone wears a comfortable jazz pant and demonstrates individual skills to the audience. After Batizados beginners get special belts and nicknames and become members of different capoeira groups.
It goes without saying that multiple dancing techniques are popular with many people from different countries. Capoeira is one of the most famous techniques in Brazil. It combines elements of acrobatics, dancing and martial arts. A capoeira dancer performing in a stretchable jazz pant impresses the audience with his or her outstanding skills. It is worth mentioning that today extraordinary choreography of capoeira attracts the attention of people not only in Brazil but in other countries all over the world.
Articles Source:http://business.ezinemark.com/capoeira-makes-more-and-more-dancers-put-their-jazz-pants-on-31bb688a2e5.html
About the Author:For further information regarding our range of jazz pant and other dance products, please visit our website at http://www.dancedirect.com.
People in Falmouth and Penryn will have a chance to see the Brazilian art form Capoeira at a special event.
JingaFest are holding the Inverno festival, winter in Brazilian Portuguese, from November 26 to 28.
The festival will feature workshops in Brazilian dance and percussion, a Brazilian dinner party, samba band and lots of free demonstrations of capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian art form which mixes music and dance.
"The first JingaFest earlier this year was so successful that we thought we’d do another one to bring some sunshine into the autumn and winter months," said Craig Blackburn, director of festival host Jinga Communities.
"The whole weekend is open to everyone to watch or take part. All workshops are free for families.
The free showcase events are on Saturday, November 27 from 3pm to 6pm and Sunday, , November 28 from 2pm to 4pm, in Temperance Hall, Lower Market St, Penryn.
Source: http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/fpfalmouth/8676836.Brazilian_art_form_festival_in_Penryn/
Image from : http://www.jinga.org.uk/
In North Vancouver, Capoeira practitioner Marcus "Lelo" Aurelio scored one of the most awesome knockout-kicks in history at a North American Challenge event .
Now who's to say that Brazilian dance-fighting isn't very effective in MMA?
Insane Capoeira Knockout - Watch more free videos
Now who's to say that Brazilian dance-fighting isn't very effective in MMA?
Insane Capoeira Knockout - Watch more free videos
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, games, music, and dance. It was created in Brazil by slaves brought from Africa, especially from present day Angola some time after the 16th century. It was developed in the regions known as Bahia, Pernambuco and Rio de Janeiro. Participants form a roda, or circle, and take turns either playing musical instruments (such as the Berimbau), singing, or ritually sparring in pairs in the center of the circle. The sparring is marked by fluid acrobatic play, feints, and extensive use of sweeps, kicks, and headbutts. Less frequently used techniques include elbow strikes, slaps, punches, and body throws. Its origins and purpose are a matter of debate, with theories ranging from views of Capoeira as a uniquely Brazilian folk dance with improvised fighting movements to claims that it is a battle-ready fighting form directly descended from ancient African techniques.
Historians are divided between those who believe it is a direct descendant of African fighting styles and those who believe it is a uniquely Brazilian dance form distilled from various African and Brazilian influences. One popular explanation holds that it is an African fighting style that was developed in Brazil, as expressed by a proponent named Salvano, who said, "Capoeira cannot exist without black men but its birthplace is Brazil".
Even the etymology of the word capoeira is debated. The Portuguese word capão means "capon", or a castrated rooster, and could mean that the style appears similar to two roosters fighting. Kongo scholar K. Kia Bunseki Fu-Kiau also suggested capoeira could be derived from the Kikongo word kipura, which describes a rooster's movements in a fight.[citation needed]Afro-Brazilian scholar Carlos Eugenio has suggested that the sport took its name from a large round basket called a "capa" commonly worn on the head by urban slaves.Others claim the term derives from the Tupi-Guarani words kaá ("leaf", "plant") and puéra (past aspect marker), meaning "formerly a forest". Another claim is that given that capoeira in Portuguese literally means "chicken coop", it could simply be a derisive term used by slave owners to refer to the displays as chicken fights.
Read more about Capoeira
Historians are divided between those who believe it is a direct descendant of African fighting styles and those who believe it is a uniquely Brazilian dance form distilled from various African and Brazilian influences. One popular explanation holds that it is an African fighting style that was developed in Brazil, as expressed by a proponent named Salvano, who said, "Capoeira cannot exist without black men but its birthplace is Brazil".
Even the etymology of the word capoeira is debated. The Portuguese word capão means "capon", or a castrated rooster, and could mean that the style appears similar to two roosters fighting. Kongo scholar K. Kia Bunseki Fu-Kiau also suggested capoeira could be derived from the Kikongo word kipura, which describes a rooster's movements in a fight.[citation needed]Afro-Brazilian scholar Carlos Eugenio has suggested that the sport took its name from a large round basket called a "capa" commonly worn on the head by urban slaves.Others claim the term derives from the Tupi-Guarani words kaá ("leaf", "plant") and puéra (past aspect marker), meaning "formerly a forest". Another claim is that given that capoeira in Portuguese literally means "chicken coop", it could simply be a derisive term used by slave owners to refer to the displays as chicken fights.
Read more about Capoeira
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