Adult Programs
CDO Atlanta practices capoeira. There are many styles of capoeira, and CDO Atlanta trains and synthesizes each of these styles including Angola, Regional, and Miudinho. CDO Atlanta is traditional in its practices and the adults are instructed in these customs. Capoeiristas learn traditions from the time-honored way to open and close a roda, the rhythms of the instruments as well as the sequences of Mestre Bimba, the founder of the Regional style. Every student must wear a uniform and is awarded a colored cord based on achievement after adequate training and sufficient knowledge of the sport.
Each 90 minute class consists of a warm up, group calisthenics, training individual movements and partnered sequences. Students of all skill levels train together in order to foster a sense of community, respect and humility. Each class concludes with a roda where capoeiristas apply the skills they have learned in class.
Youth Programs
As with adults, capoeira training can provide many benefits for young practitioners. In addition to providing physical exercise for the developing bodies of youth, capoeira also teaches awareness including respect for self and others. By channeling energy into a positive activity such as capoeira, youth are more likely to develop healthy patterns of behavior and lifestyle choices.
Youth Capoeira
Youth capoeira training at CDO Atlanta is for children between the ages of 4-12. As with adult capoeira, all ages/skill levels are taught together. Each 60 minute class includes training in capoeira movements such as the ginga, kicks and defenses along with developmental, coordination training.
Youth capoeiristas are also trained in the musical instruments of capoeira. To provide added motivation for younger students CDO Atlanta sponsors a bi-annual event where youth can earn their cords. One event is held in the first part of the year for youth only while the second event for both youth and adults is held in the latter part of each year.
CDO Atlanta After School
The goal of the CDO Atlanta after school program is to increase the percentage of healthy young children by instilling good habits in exercise and academics and a lifelong love of physical activity and learning. Under the supervision of qualified, caring adults, the CDO Atlanta after school program incorporates physical activity through capoeira, yoga, dance, homework help, and language, music and drama classes. Students experience physical benefits such as improved flexibility and coordination, as well as the development of skills in other areas such as communication, group work and cultural awareness among others.
Community Roda
The roda, or community circle, is the place where the game of capoeira is played. In the roda, capoeiristas are encouraged to apply the skills they have learned during training. These skills consist of not only the physical movements of capoeira, but also the principle of malicia, or cunning trickery where capoeiristas use creativity in play of the game. This cleverness translates into skills useful in the outside world. CDO Atlanta offers a community roda once per month as well as at the conclusion of each adult capoeira class.
Music
The songs and musical instruments of capoeira are an integral part of its practice. CDO Atlanta offers lessons on the following instruments:
The berimbau, a single-stringed bow-shaped instrument that is the primary instrument of capoeira and which sets the tone and rhythm of the game;
The pandeiro, a hand-held drum similar to the tambourine;
The atabaque, a tall wooden frame drum similar to a conga; and
The agogô, a double gong bell made of wrought iron.
Together these instruments form the bateria or ensemble played during a roda. CDO Atlanta music lessons teach capoeiristas how to play these instruments as well as the rhythms and lyrics of traditional capoeira songs.
Portuguese Lessons
The language of Brazil and therefore capoeira is Portuguese. Training at CDO Atlanta provides capoeiristas a cultural immersion experience not only by learning capoeira terms from a native Portuguese speaker, but also engaging in language classes in order to form a broader understanding of the Portuguese language.
Maculelê
Maculelê is a mock-fight dance performed with sticks and machetes to the rapid beat of drums. The origin of maculelê is controversial. Some say that maculelê was originated in the sugar-cane plantation by the slaves, who would practice the dance to defend themselves against the punishment of the slave masters. Others believe the tradition began in Africa after a brave young man named Maculelê, who died while successfully fighting off an invading tribe. The tradition is represented today by a spectacular, high-energy dance. A circle is formed and dancers enter into the middle in pairs. Each dancer holds two sticks, recreating the movements in representation of maculelê, to the rhythm of the atabaque and traditional song.
Dança Guerrera
Dança guerrera is a powerful dance representing a tribe preparing for fight. The choreography includes dancers in traditional clothing and body paint who are armed with swords and shields.
Dança do Fogo
Dança do fogo is a dance that symbolizes warrior’s rituals. It is made with Afro-Brazilian choreography and sticks of fire.
Puxada de Rede
Puxada de rede (or ‘pulling of the net’) is a folkloric theatrical dance about the simple life of Brazilian fishermen and the celebration of a successful catch. The graceful dance involves live music with passionate lyrics reflecting the natural beauty and daily struggles of the life of a fisherman.
Samba – Taught by Beth Mendez, professional dance instructor
Samba, characterized by vibrating hips and fast moving feet, is the official Brazilian dance of Carnaval. Radiant dancers wear Carnaval costumes and dance to live samba percussion. Many times at the conclusion of a capoeira roda, a samba de roda occurs. A female dancer enters the roda and invites a male dancer to join her. The dancers samba around one another without any physical contact. Other dancers cut in or “buy”out the original dancers, with one female and one male dancer always present in the roda. This fun dance is a celebration of a good roda.
Batucada
Batucada is a sub-style of samba and refers to an African influenced percussive style, usually performed by an ensemble. It is considered by some to be the epitome of the percussive ensemble. Batucada is characterized by its repetitive style and fast pace.