The Afro-Brazilian martial art form Capoeira is a combination of dance, resistance, and cultural expression. Though the art has many different forms, the form we practice at Oberlin College is  Capoeira Angola. Our lineage here at Oberlin College comes directly form Capoeira master, Vicente Ferreira Pastinha Capoiera (1889-1981).
Oberlin College’s history with Capoeira Angola has come a long way, starting with the college’s introduction to the art form by Professor Miriam Adenike Sharpley and Oberlin Alum, Eric “Chicago” Murray,  to present day with visiting Professor Justin Emeka and our student group, Oberlin Capoeira Angola.

 
(Oberlin College Capoeira Angola Class, 2007?)

Capoeira Angola is a multiform phenomenon. It draws elements from dance, fight, ritual, and musical performance. It is a person's way of defense, and it is also a form of entertainment. This is shown by some of the words used to refer to it, such as "brincadeira" or "vadiação", meaning merriment, entertainment; traditionally, it was also played by individuals when they were on break from, namely sailors and dock laborers.  
  (Mestre Pastinha with rythmic instrument, berimbau)

 The roda is a place for capoeiristas to come together and play, while accompanied by instruments and songs. The interaction between capoeiristas during games can be seen as physical conversations, where their bodies move to the rhythmn of music.

Contact info:

Visting Professor Justin Emeka
justin.emeka@oberlin.edu

Oberlin Capoeira Angola - OCAngola@gmail.com

Officers-
Chairs: Morgan Yang - Morgan.Yang@oberlin.edu & Joe Blasher - Joseph.Blasher@oberlin.edu
Treasurer: Nina Goepfert - Nina.Goepfert@oberlin.edu
Secretary: Amalia Zeidman - amalia.zeidman@oberlin.edu>,
Liaison: Julie Haddad - Julie.Haddad@oberlin.edu

(Reknowned Mestre Joao Grande and
Mestre Joao Pequeno playing on a dock.)



Spring 2010 Training Schedule:

MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
*4:30-6 Basic Training Warner, studio 3	9-11 am Capoeira Angola Group Project South studio	*4:30-6 Portuguese/ Song Class Wilder	9-11 Capoeira Angola Group Project South studio	*4:30 - 6 Training, Games & Rodina Warner, studio 3		*2-4 Music & Movement Warner, studio 3

 

* Open trainings, all are welcome!  Please wear long pants, a t-shirt and rubber soled shoes.  


Spring events:

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PHOTOS: