Capoeira: a blend of martial arts, games, and dance that originated in Brazil during the 16th century. The tradition is marked by fluid acrobatic play, feints, and extensive use of groundwork, including sweeps, kicks, and headbutts.
Capoeira dancers use a combination of dance skills and martial arts techniques in what has become a national sport in Brazil and around the world. Its origins can be traced back to the culture and traditions of African slaves who were taken to Brazil. In fact because the dance was seen as bad behavior, Capoeira was prohibited by law until 1920 and became a way for slaves to retain some of their culture through their bodies. Because of its mixture of dance and martial arts it is both a folk art and a battle technique used for self defense. The dance is often accompanied by music, games and ritual such as the baptism of new dancers with “Capoeira” names.
El Arte de Capoeira
La Capoiera, un deporte nacional en Brasil y alrededor del mundo, es una combinación de habilidades de danza y técnicas de artes marciales. Sus origines vienen de la cultura y tradiciones de esclavos Africanos quienes fueron llevados a Brasil. De hecho, el arte de Capoeira antes era visto como mal comportamiento en parte de los esclavos y fue prohibido por ley hasta 1920. Capoeira se convirtió en una manera en la cual los esclavos podían retener un poco de cultura a través de sus cuerpos. La Capoeira es una mezcla de danza y artes marciales y por lo tal es un arte popular y una técnica de batalla usada para defensa propia. La danza es usualmente acompañada por música, juegos, y rituales como el bautismo de participantes nuevos con nombres Capoeira.
