Are you interested in learning more about capoeira? If so, you have come to the right place!

Who are we?

We are a group of 25 curious Duke students who decided to embark on a capoeira journey this semester. Before taking the course, the majority of us had little to no exposure to capoeira. However, we were excited to be exposed to the movement, music and culture of capoeira. At its most basic level capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian combat game that combines dance, self-defense, acrobatics, ritual and music. Our journey this semester has followed two paths. Through studio practice we learned body movement, music and tactical skills in the game. Through seminar discussions, we have been able to delve into capoeira’s complicated history to gain a better understanding of its significance today. We now appreciate capoeira as a language that unites, as it expands globally and crosses national, racial, and gender borders. We took the class to have fun, but it has significantly impacted the way we think about the world.

Our Event:

We have organized a workshop class aimed at introducing the fundamentals of capoeira. Students will learn basic capoeira techniques from stretches to kicks to dodges. There will also be an opportunity to experiment with new musical instruments: atabaque, pandeiro, berimbau, agogo, reco-reco. Come experience the history, culture, and physicality of capoeira. Players of all skill levels are welcome. Be ready to move, dance, and play!

When: Saturday, December 10th, 2:00-4:00 pm EST

Where: The Rubenstein Arts Center (2020 Campus Drive, Durham, NC 27708)

Event Parking/Transportation:

• For anyone living on campus, we suggest the C1 bus as the easiest way to get to the Ruby.
• For anyone who is driving in a car, there is parking nearby at the Nasher Museum of Art.

Why this event?

Through this event, we hope to promote the dissemination of capoeira and all of its benefits to the broader Duke population. Capoeira has provided all of us a source of community and nourishment, and it would be our pleasure to pay this experience forward and to provide ways for others to begin their capoeira journey. Central to this is Mestre Roxinho’s Bantu Institute: a non-profit organization based on the foundations of capoeira established to empower the next generation and provide resources to underprivileged populations in Brazil around the world (refer to Bantu Institute page for more information). Any level of participation or donation would be greatly appreciated.

The workshop will be taught by Dr. Katya Wesolowski.

Dr. Katya Wesolowski teaches in Cultural Anthropology and Dance at Duke.  As an anthropologist and dancer she is interested in the interrelationship between bodies, cultural practices, politics and ethnographic research and writing. Her work focuses on expressive culture of the African Diaspora, specifically Brazil and Angola. Dr. Wesolowski’s monograph, Capoeira Connections: a Memoir in Motion, will be out with University Press of Florida in January 2023.  Camarão (Shrimp), as she is know in the world of capoeira has played capoeira globally, and has years of experience teaching capoeira to adults and youth.