This class begins with breath to tune ourselves with our bodies, followed by a quick full-body mobility sequence to awaken the senses. From there, we’ll explore the basic claps and the rhythm of the drums to understand the heartbeat of Capoeira, along with the Ginga—the foundational movement of Capoeira—and how to travel with it, both alone and in relationship with different partners, using balanço, the swinging movements of the body in Capoeira.

We’ll explore two linear kicks and two rotational kicks along with their defensive esquivas (dodges), the transition of a rolê, and an aú (cartwheel). Students will then apply these movements with different bodies and partners, finding joy in capability along the way.

The class closes by bringing everything together musically—learning to incorporate different instruments and build an orchestra with our voices. Three helpers will join to represent the different instruments, allowing us to create this experience as a group. We’ll close by playing live music and holding a traditional Capoeira roda, so that everyone can practice the art with joy—as is tradition in Capoeira, where we call it playing, not fighting.

Class Progression

1. Breath – Tuning ourselves with our bodies
2. Full-Body Mobility – A quick sequence to awaken the senses
3. Claps & Drum Rhythm – Understanding the heartbeat of Capoeira
4. Ginga – The foundational movement, explored alone and with partners
5. Balanço – The swinging movements of the body in Capoeira
6. Kicks & Esquivas – Two linear kicks, two rotational kicks, and their defensive dodges
7. Rolê & Aú – Transitional movement and cartwheel
8. Applied Play – Practicing with different bodies and partners, finding joy in capability
9. Building the Orchestra – Incorporating instruments and voices, with the help of three assistants
10. The Roda – Live music and traditional group play