Capoeira Workshop at WIS

On Wednesday 6 September, Year 10 and 11 GCSE Dance and Drama students took part in a workshop with the Hong Kong School of Capoeira. The workshop was designed to give the students an insight into Brazilian culture, which forms the basis of one of the GCSE Dance set works and to give both dance and theatre students new skills that could be applied to their practical work. The students spent two hours working with the practitioners who introduced them to the origins of Capoeira and led an exploration of movement.

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of fight, acrobatics, music, dance and rituals in a very elegant and magnetic way. Performed by two people, it is often called “Capoeira game” that is played, not a fight. Students learnt some of the basic capoeira moves including the ginga, skiva and au – none of which were basic!! Indio, who is the contra-mestre of the school, commented on the enthusiasm and engagement of the students who gave their everything to the session. It was a great morning and definitely one that we will repeat. But don’t just take my word for it, here is what some of the students involved had to say:

“I think this workshop was really informative for drama and dance students and can enhance one’s performance as Capoeira looks a little “dancy” and can also be used for drama.”

“I thought it was really enjoyable experience and important for us part of the West Island community to try new things and learn about other’s cultures different from our own”

“A Linha Curva is influenced by capoeira, by learning and experimenting with it, it allows me to understand this type of dance more hence understanding the whole piece more too.”

“How we can use physical theatre more cohesively as a group, playing off each other’s actions”.

Ms Cunliffe
Teacher of Dance and Drama