Capoeira

Capoeira is a form of Self Defense that was developed by African slaves in northwestern Brazil. Capoeira was illegal in Brazil until about 1940, but is now recognized and valued as a uniquely Brazilian art-form. Over the past thirty-forty years, the art of capoeira has been brought all over the world, and there are longstanding groups in many countries. Capoeira combines elements of fighting, dance, music, acrobatics and play, into an exciting dance-like fight.

Over the years, various capoeira teachers have offered classes in Davis. Since 2006 Sacramento-based Capoeira Agua de Beber has had a Davis branch. Classes are taught by Susan Pike a.k.a. Instrutora Burbulias, a student of Contra Mestre Galego. Burbulias has been training capoeira for seven years, and teaching capoeira in Davis for over three years.

Classes in Davis are offered through the Experimental College, and FDF Multicultural Arts and Wellness Center. You can register online for either class, or contact Burbulias for more information (contact information available on Agua de Beber's website).

Experimental College classes are on Saturday evenings from 6pm to 7:30pm in the Experimental College Dance Room, in the South Silo on the UC Davis campus.

FDF Multicultural Arts and Wellness Center classes are on Tuesday evenings from 4:20 to 5:10 for children, and from 5:15 to 6:05 for adults. FDF Multicultural Arts and Wellness Center is located at 915 3rd Street in Davis.

You can also take Capoeira classes with Contra Mestre Galego and Capoeira Agua De Beber at the brand new MOVE! Studio at 600 Broadway in Sacramento, or with Mestre Acordeon and Mestra Suelly with The United Capoeira Association (formerly at the Capoeira Arts Cafe) in Berkeley. Several capoeira students in Davis travel to Sacramento and Berkeley on a regular basis to attend classes. Contact Burbulias for more information, or just visit these schools!

There are many other capoeira schools in the Bay Area, including Capoeira USA, Capoeira Mandinga, FICA Capoeira and Capoeira Cordao de Ouro among others! Each of these groups has a unique style and history. Check out the websites of all the capoeira groups listed on this page for class schedules, special events and more.

The main instrument used in capoeira music is the Berimbau. Drums, "atabaque" bells "agogo" and tabourine-like instruments called "pandeiros" are also used, and capoeiristas sing and clap in time to the music.

Have you danced in Davis?

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