Workshop Description

African in its origin and Brazilian in its evolution, capoeira is a unique art form that blends acrobatics, martial arts, music, dance, percussion, singing and tradition in a single mesmerising jogo (game). Waltons New School of Music’s Capoeira in the Classroom outreach workshop provides a creative and comprehensive way for participants to exercise, learn a martial art, develop their sense of music and rhythm and be exposed to the Portuguese language and Brazilian culture – while playing in a group and having fun!

Capoeira is played inside a circle of friends, clapping hands to the rhythm of traditional instruments that have been used since capoeira’s creation. Inside the circle of capoeira, participants learn to find their balance through the movements of capoeira and express themselves and their individuality in new ways. They learn about all the elements of capoeira, including music, song, instrument playing (berimbau, pandeiro and atabaque) and physical expression (using animal movements as a source of inspiration). They take part in this dynamic workshop as players, dancers, acrobats, musicians, singers and interactive spectators. In one word they become ‘capoeiristas’.

Teachers, who are asked to participate, will also be provided with suggested follow-up activities for classroom use.

Capoeira in the Classroom is available on two levels. Level 1 is an introduction to all the elements of Capoeira. In level 2 (which requires that participants have taken the level 1 workshop) young people are taught how to combine the basic movements they learned in the previous workshop and are urged to let loose their creativity through music, song, instruments and body movements. Particular attention is given to the learning and practice of acrobatics basics. In a single day, schools can avail of any combination of level 1 and level 2 workshops.

The workshop is also available in both two-facilitator (maximum 35 participants per workshop) and one-facilitator (maximum 20 participants per workshop) versions.

DEIS schools and registered charities receive a 10% discount off the fee for this workshop.

Workshop Details

• Day/Date • By arrangement
• Overall Length
  4 x 60-minute Workshops • 4 ½ hours (with 30-minute break)
  3 x 60-minute Workshops • 3 ½ hours (with 30-minute break)
  2 x 60-minute Workshops • 2 hours
• Number of Participants
  Two-facilitator version • maximum 35 per workshop
  One-facilitator version • maximum 20 per workshop
• Facilities/Equipment Needed • Large classroom or hall (preferably without carpet and with a large space cleared of furniture), CD player, whiteboard/markers or blackboard/chalk

Facilitators

Sansão Maia

Sansão has been training, studying and developing capoeira for over 30 years. He co-founded the Oficina da Capoeira Brazil group and worked with hundreds of children in the Projeto de Orientacao da Crianca pela Arte before arriving in Dublin in 2001. Over the past 10 years he has developed the Oficina da Capoeira Dublin group and introduced many other aspects of Brazilian culture to a wide audience, thanks to his regular classes, workshops, performances, radio interviews, and appearances on national television and in print. Under his guidance, the group has appeared in numerous street performances, festivals (including the Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures, University of Limerick Festival of Traditional Dance, Drogheda Samba Festival, Latin Quarter Experience and Bloomsday celebrations), and theatres. He has also facilitated many workshops for the International Dance Festival of Ireland, The Ark and the Tallaght and Ballymun community centres, as well as schools, colleges and universities. Capoeira has brought him to Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Holland and England to facilitate workshops and to perform in festivals and gatherings.

Daniela Quaresima

Daniela studied capoeira under Sansão Maia and arrived in Ireland in 1999. With Prof. Sansão, she has given workshops and performances for schools, colleges, universities and community groups throughout the country. Together with the Mundo Capoeira Ireland group and supported by the Happy City Samba Band, she represented Brazil in welcoming the football star Pelè on his visit to Dublin. She has also performed at the Dublin Fringe Festival, Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures, Dance Theatre of Ireland, International Dance Festival of Ireland, Drogheda Samba Festival, Ballina Salmon Parade, the Latin Quarter Experience, Spirasi Asylum Services Initiative, and at the Launch of the World Awareness Week organized by the National Youth Council of Ireland, just to name a few. She has also performed with several Dublin-based music groups such as De Jimbe, MaSamba and Afronova project in numerous festivals, has been training, studying and developing capoeira for almost 10 years. She is the co-founder of the Mundo Capoeira Ireland group and has introduced many other aspects of Brazilian culture to a wide audience, thanks to her regular classes, workshops, performances, radio interviews and appearances on national television.

Reviews • Testimonials

‘Learning first-hand about other cultures is very exciting. The facilitators’ approach was gentle, positive and encouraging – with a smile!’
– S. Barry, Kilmacanogue National School, Co. Wicklow

‘An exciting and varied workshop enjoyed equally by students and teachers!’
– H. Brennan, Scoil Mhuire Senior National School, Dublin 15

‘Movement with a difference – well worth taking the time to explore. Can’t wait for the next session.’
– M. Curtin, St. Mary’s Boys National School, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14

‘Vibrant, interesting and easy to get involved in. Well-run, well-planned and safe.’
– L. Kavanagh, Our Lady of Lourdes National School, Inchicore, Dublin 8

‘This was a thoroughly enjoyable workshop for everyone involved, and the children benefited greatly from it. Thanks to Waltons and the Capoeira faciliators.’
– C. Murray, St. Mary’s Boys National School, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14

‘A highly successful, motivating and active workshop that encourages the children in learning about other cultures and traditions. A very exciting and energetic blend of music, dance and movement.’
– C. Ní Choimín, Mount Anville National School, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin

‘Capoeira in the Classroom is a brilliant opportunity for children to engage in music and movement in a new and exciting form. The children loved it, and the teachers were delighted with the content, which incorporates many aspects of the Revised Curriculum.’
– N. Nic Roibéaird, Scoil Neasáin, Baile Hearman, Dublin 5

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Fees

Two Facilitator Version

One Facilitator Version

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