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Capoeira was developed surreptitiously, with two men pretending that they are taking part in a dance, when in fact they are practicing kicks and blows. There is also a whole style of Capoeira music which goes along with the martial arts culture. In areas of Brazil where gangs are rampant, youth learn this dance and the drumming music that goes along with it is a positive alternative to fighting each other and is a peaceful way to ward off anger and aggression in youth (MacSwan 19).
The discipline fuses flexibility, agility, strength, balance, self-confidence, self-defense, coordination and rhythm; creating a workout like no other. To hide despair and intention of rebellion from their masters, the dancers combined playful and graceful dance and acrobatic movements with moves of attacks and defense using only the legs. While training they would avoid unnecessary harm by having very little contact with each other. They added clapping hands; singing and playing instruments to make it look like a dance. For the masters it was entertainment, but for the slaves it was a fight for liberation (Lima-Moore 4).
After the abolition of slavery in 1888, the government banned Capoeira. If one were caught practicing the art, the punishment would be imprisonment or deportation. Because of this, other Afro-Brazilian dances such as samba, afoxe, candomble, etc. were banned as well. Eventually, Capoeira became more acceptable and the government allowed the art to be taught in academics. It became increasingly popular in Brazil, and Capoeira became the second most popular sport, after soccer. Capoeira is taught in thousands of academies and is part of the physical education programs in Brazilian schools and universities today. It was brought to the U.S....
The other dancer is not an enemy, he is a friend, and both try to keep the game going. There are no bleeding noses, no active blocking, and lots of evasion. When the pace of the game increases, the dancers get some distance between themselves (at least in Regional). The idea is to not be predictable. That may sound hackneyed, but since Malandragem (dirty tricks) are accepted and widely welcomed among Capoeiristas, you can be easily tricked and quickly get into trouble. The idea is to be creative and let the music guide the motion.
Capoeira dancing can be dangerous if one is an opponent of any of the dancers, who are supremely conditioned and skillful in kicking and blocking. Those who want to be active in criminal justice would do well to learn this "dance."
To see videos of the Capoeira Brazilian dance, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPnHR6k2mkcor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdZXp0Tq6Jk
Works Cited
Brazilian Music Guide. Styles. 2007. http://www.slipcue.com/music/brazil/aa_styles/aa_styles.html.
Consulate General of Brazil. About Brazil. http://www.brazilsf.org/culture_capoeira_eng.htm.
Lima-Moore, D. Swing Brazil UK - Rio Samba.2007. http://www.swingbrazil.co.uk/.
MacSwan, Angus. In violent Rio slum, music group offers alternative. Brocktown News. 23 Dec 2005. http://www.capoeira.com/news.php?item.17.
Works Cited
Brazilian Music Guide. Styles. 2007. http://www.slipcue.com/music/brazil/aa_styles/aa_styles.html.
Consulate General of Brazil. About Brazil. http://www.brazilsf.org/culture_capoeira_eng.htm.
Lima-Moore, D. Swing Brazil UK - Rio Samba.2007. http://www.swingbrazil.co.uk/.
MacSwan, Angus. In violent Rio slum, music group offers alternative. Brocktown News. 23 Dec 2005. http://www.capoeira.com/news.php?item.17.
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