THE PLAYERS

A Capoeirista Angoleiro seeks to combine his movements with the movements of his comrade, aiming to connect their game together as one. Their aesthetic sense guides them to arrive at a sintonia eurrimitica (rhythmic synchronisation), using movements that are expressive, varied and at the same time, functional.

It's easy to see that the movements of the players are inspired by the movements of wild animals, offering them great freedom and a variety of motions to respond to the diverse demands of the game. These develop and unfold in as many diverse ways as a story can be told.
The capoeirista demonstrates his superiority in the space of the roda, by confusing the other player with the danger and complexity of his movements.

In a natural way, the players impersonate different facets of the human character such as fear, happiness, anger, pride, compassion and many other emotions – but most importantly players must possess highly refined psychological control.

Capoeira Angola is a game of strategy where the fighters (comrades) play within the space of the roda (the circle where the group comes together to create the ritual). This means tuning their game in accordance with the rhythm of the music played by the bateria (orchestra) and expressing in their game the feeling and meaning of the verses that are being sung by the lead singer and the chorus.

Some of the characteristics that ‘Capoeirista Angoleiros' have inherited and embodied from the old practitioners of N'Golo are wit, self-confidence, loyalty, humility, and elegance. To be a capoeirista demands perfect expertise and command of the culture, the traditions of the game, the toques of the instruments and the songs.