A presentation of Capoeira and Maculelê by Mestra Márcia Cigarra, instrutores, and graduated students of ABADÁ-Capoeira San Francisco (ACSF).  Maculelê is a traditional Afro-Brazilian dance performed with sticks and machetes created in Brazil by enslaved Africans who worked the sugar cane plantations. It is believed that they would practice this dance during times of rest, using the machetes they used for cutting sugar cane. Many Maculelê songs are sung in the Yoruba language, which was the native language of many of the Africans who were enslaved in Brazil.   

Capoeira (pronounced ka-poo-ey-da) is an Afro-Brazilian martial art form that incorporates acrobatics, dance, percussion, and songs in a rhythmic dialogue of body, mind, and spirit.  Two opponents play each other inside a circle formed by the other players, who create rhythm for the game by clapping, singing, and playing traditional instruments. 

Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Mestra Ciagarra (Márcia Treidler) is ACSF’s founder and artistic director, overseeing and directing all performance and instructional programs. She began studying capoeira in 1982 under the world-renowned Mestre Camisa. In 1987, she began to conduct classes for street children, youth, and adults in Rio de Janeiro. In 1991, Mestra Cigarra moved to the U.S. and, in 1997, was granted legal permanent residency as an “alien of extraordinary ability.” That same year, she founded the ACSF Brazilian Arts Center. Her outstanding achievements make her a highly sought-after teacher, an inspirational leader, and an important role model, and she continues to provide a safe and affirming environment for adults, youth, and families in the Bay Area to learn and grow. 

Website: https://www.abada.org/