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The Capoeira Angola
The history of Capoeira Angola starts in the 16th century, in the time when Brazil was a colony of Portugal and the African slave labour force was largely utilized in Brazil, especially in the agricultural production of sugar in the North-East. Many of these slaves came from the region of Angola, also a Portuguese colony. In Africa, the Angolans had many dances (for example the N’golo, the Bassula, the Cabangula and the Umudinhu) which in Brazil mixed with each other and in this way giving origin to Capoeira (the game of Angola) which transferred to the urban zone became Capoeira Angola, a martial art disguised as a dance. This was an important instrument of cultural and physical resistance for the Brazilian slaves. The Capoeirista Angoleiro combines his movements with the movements of his comrade, aiming for a cohesive, unified game. Their aesthetic sense directs to obtain a rhythmic synchrony, utilizing expressive movements, varied and at the same time functional.
The players’ movements are visually inspired by the movements of wild animals that offer a large liberty and variety of resources applicable to the diverse situations of the game which develops like a plot with different paths. The capoeirista demonstrates his superiority in the space of the Roda leading the opponent to confusion with the danger and complexity of their movements.
The Word Capoeira
The word Capoeira is of Tupi Guarani origin (a Brazilian indigenous language) and refers to the ground where the wild grass was cut in preparation for the next planting season. This was also the place where black people would meet to practise N’golo dance and African fighting, amongst other rituals. Due to the repression of regimented slavery and violence the Negros had their dances and rituals as instruments of freedom and principal function to maintain culture, alleviate stress from work and maintain physical health. Often, the fights took place in fields with small shrubs, known at the time as Capoeira or Capoeirao. From the name of this place comes the name of the fight.
The Game
The movements of Capoeira Angola are commanded by the music and singing. It is a submission of force to rhythm, of violence to melody, a marriage of antagonisms. In Capoeira, the contenders are not adversaries, they are camaradas or comrades; they don’t fight, they pretend to fight. They expertly seek to convey an artistic portrayal of the combat; and more importantly than their spirit of competition, is their surrender to the spirit of beauty within them. A capoeirista is an artist and an athlete, a player and a poet. It is however necessary to recognise the true Capoeira, as it is practised today in Bahia; and the game that made 'malandros' (good scoundrels) and desordeiros (hoodlums or bandits) notable in the middle of the last century in Rio and
Recife.
The Capoeira Angola is just a game that’s how it’s called by the players of Bahia.
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