Capoeira

 
Produced for PBS art series EGG. This short film explores Capoeira. An Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, music, and dance.
It was created in Brazil by slaves brought from Africa. Participants form a roda, or circle, and take turns either playing musical instruments (such as the Berimbau), singing, or ritually sparring in pairs in the center of the circle. The sparring is marked by fluid acrobatic play, feints, and extensive use of sweeps, kicks, and headbutts. This short documentary features Jelon Vieira from DanceBrazil