In the beginning of the century Brazil was the stage of the largest violence
 against one race. More than two million black people were shipped out from
 Africa to Brazil by the Portuguese and Spanish Crown to be used as slaves
 in the sugar cane fields.

 In order to defend themselves against the white men and to escape from the
 farms, those black slaves developed a fight which mirrors movements in the
 animal Kingdom and look like dance. They used to practice in the evening
 after a long day work and they sang and played percussion so the white men
 wouldn't get suspicious.

 Capoeira then became popular but the intention of fight disappeared.
 Now days, it is a game, a dialogue of bodies, Ï expire when my partner
 doesn't have more answers to my questions"(Master Moraes).

 The Capoeira Game is friendly. Two capoeiristas are blessed by
 the berimbau (instrument made of coconut tree) and they begin a slow ballet
 of question and answer movements, until one of them win the game. It is
 played like that successively until all the participants enter the circle.
 The others capoeiristas around the circle sing, clap and play instruments.

 For information on capoeira shows, classes and workshops
 please contact Patricia on 07956 66 9054.