Capoeira: A BlackIndian Tool of Resistance

contar_mestre_jo

So good to be back!  It’s been awhile since my last post.  The end of July was fierce, and the start of August was no different.  It has been productive, and I am blessed for that.  Speaking of fierceness & blessings… I thought I would focus this homecoming post on one of my favorite artistic forms:  Capoeira.  Capoeira combines dance, martial arts, and music for a dynamic performance of skill, wit and spirit.  It’s history is rich is the art & cultural roots of African slaves who were brought to work in Brazil (colonized by Portugal), as well as the native Brazilians.  In an environment much like that of colonized North America, Capoeira began to develop in Quilombos, or safe, hard to reach settlements where African, Native Brazilian and other oppressed groups could find refuge.

“Inside the safety of quilombos, capoeira developed as a means of self-defense and use in guerrilla attacks. Numerous times quilombos were attacked or raided by slave hunters. Capoeira was used to protect these communities and was effective in repelling attacks. Those slaves who were captured, taught capoeira to the others in plantations and disguised it with music and dance.”

(Source: http://www.start-playing-capoeira.com/history-of-capoeira.html)

In this way, Capoeira was used as a tool of resistance against the colonizers, or the capitães-do-mato.  The art of Capoeira is, like dance, an experience in fluidity that calls for grace, agility, strength, flexibility, and creativity.

For years I’ve been making and breaking promises to myself that I would start to study Capoeira, and West African Dance.  Per usually, I always make money the excuse.  However, recently I have been more on my game, more focused, and just ready to use my body in new ways.  A large part of this inspiration comes from a desire to just dance, and specialize my healing arts work in movement/ movement therapy & expressive arts.  While I have taken dance classes in the past, I have so much to learn.  The plan is head on over to The Old Town School of Folk Music  here in Chicago and start my journey of new, healing, radical movement.

Check out this video of  Contra- Mestre Jo: