Cordão de Ouro Atlanta would be honored to perform at your event!
We provide demonstrations and performances of capoeira and related dances including those described below. We are available for shows, parties, demonstrations, school assemblies, master classes and much more. Contact us today to schedule a performance or demonstration for your event.
CDO Atlanta performs at 9:30 every Friday night at Loca Luna. Come visit us there to see a performance for yourself. You can also click here to see a list of our performances in the past year.
Capoeira
Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art/dance, was originated by African slaves brought to Brazil during the Colonial period. These Africans created capoeira which served as a form of cultural expression in opposition to the institution of slavery. Capoeira consists of an improvised dialogue of the body, which is underpinned by philosophical, physical, musical and cultural elements. There are many styles of capoeira, and CDO Atlanta trains and synthesizes each of these styles including Angola, Regional, and Miudinho.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 das Bahianas
Bahianas lead the annual celebration of Our Lord of Bonfim (Nosso Senhor do Bonfim), an important festivity in Salvador do Bahia. Dressed in all white, the Bahianas symbolize purity and often recreate the movement of the ocean in homage to Yemnja, the goddess of the sea.Samba
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.