Capoeira and Samba at Montclair State, Dec 7th, 2015

The Capoeira course offered through the Department of Theatre and Dance in conjunction with The Afro Brazilian Cultural Center of New Jersey presents the Afro-Brazilian Cultural Celebration featuring Capoeira and Samba. The celebration which features workshops is scheduled for December 7, 2015 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Memorial Auditorium, and welcomes all on campus to attend, inviting participants to experience the unique opportunity of learning the two amazing Afro-Brazilian folkloric arts of Capoeira and Samba.

The Capoeira and Samba Celebration will feature Mestre George Palmares who was born in Salvador, Bahia and currently resides in Orlando, Florida, who will facilitate the Capoeira and Samba workshops with the support and assistance of Afro Brazilian Cultural Center of New Jersey instructors and students.

Capoeira is a unique blend of movement, song and music. At first glance one sees a circle of clapping onlookers, singing choruses in Brazilian Portuguese to traditional call and response songs. In the center of the circle two Capoeiristas move in what resembles a competitive dance. There is an acrobatic and beautiful avoidance of physical contact and the players’ movements display ritual, trickery and grace.  Encircling players and musicians play a large part in the dance spar, and songs rich with oral traditions are sung to reference what transpires between the players. This gathering of musicians, artists, and dancers is the Art of Capoeira.

Samba is a traditional Afro-Brazilian dance that has been associated with Capoeira for many years, and is known as Brazil’s ‘national rhythm,’and considered a primary symbol of cultural nationalism.  Samba is a secular dance found throughout Brazil today, and is a playful, sensual and flirtatious dance. Since its rise to fame almost a century ago, Samba has remained the most popular musical style in Brazil and it is deeply rooted in Brazilian culture and tradition.

The Afro-Brazilian Celebration schedule is as follows:

Monday, December 7th, 2015

Location: Memorial Auditorium 

1pm – 2pm Capoeira & Samba Workshop

2pm – 3:30pm Capoeira Graduation (Batizado) and Celebration

The workshop is open to all Montclair State University students and faculty at no charge.

For more information contact David Morgan at morgandav@montclair.edu.