Capoeira for everybody: Afro-Brazilian music and movement arts at Berkshire Hills Music Academy
Last Thursday, April 16, marked the final session of a 4-week capoeira workshop for BHMA participants. This project was a collaboration between Berkshire Hills Music Academy and Gunga do Vale, a capoeira school based in Northampton, and was funded by a grant from Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Liz O’Brien, a former BHMA Dance & Movement employee, along with Tara Borgit and Bruno Trinidade, introduced a group of BHMA participants to key capoeira teachings, history, music, and movement. As an Afro-Brazilian art form blending movement, music, and cultural history, capoeira allows for participation from many points of entry whether that is through playing music, singing, moving, or simply observing and clapping along to the beat. It helps stimulate and energize participants while building coordination, body awareness, and strength.
“… Tara and Bruno teach with the philosophy that connection, expression, and mutual respect are just as important as knowing how to kick and evade attacks,” says Liz, “I began playing capoeira while teaching at BHMA, during which I started to connect the myriad ways that capoeira might be an excellent example of the sort of multi-pronged movement, music, [and] art that BHMA students thrive on.”
Mary Ann Holmes, Director of Dance & Movement, loves that the workshop incorporated playing instruments, taking turns, singing, call and response, and movement as a form of communication for BHMA participants. “I’m super grateful for the opportunity,” she says, “I feel like it was right in line with them and their interests but also exposed them to something completely different.”
Participants reported they appreciated the chance to make music and move their bodies, and they found the activity engaging and relaxing. Tori A. says, “when I’m feeling stressed, this stuff really calms me down,” and Franklin N. says, “there’s only one word I can say about learning this stuff: ‘diversão,’ which means ‘fun’!”
Check out some photos from the class below!
This experience was made possible through the support from Mass Cultural Council. We’d love to offer more workshops like this to our participants. If you’re inspired, feel free to reach out with ideas for future offerings or collaborations.
바쁜 일상 속에서 편안한 휴식을 찾는 분들에게 유용한 서비스인 것 같아요. 원하는 장소에서 출장마사지 편리하게 이용할 수 있다는 점이 매력적이며, 이동 시간을 줄이고 개인 일정에 맞춰 여유로운 휴식 시간을 계획하는 데 도움이 됩니다. 편안한 분위기에서 몸과 마음을 쉬게 하고 싶은 분들에게 좋은 선택이 될 수 있겠네요.
I like how this capoeira workshop combines Brazilian music, movement, and cultural learning through activities like singing, playing instruments, and call-and-response. Creative expression also inspires character-based styles, including the 2 Face Costume, where contrasting looks reflect personality and identity. Both show how creativity can communicate ideas beyond words.
이용 과정이 간단하고 업무 설명이 명확해서 부담 없이 시작할 수 관련 후기도 많아 참고하기 유흥알바 좋았고 실제 근무 환경도 설명과 비슷해 만족스러운 경험이었습니다.
하루 일과가 늦게 끝나는 분들에게는 저녁 이후 가능한 근무 정보가 유용할 수 있습니다. 알아볼 때 근무 시작과 종료 시간, 업무 내용, 이동 거리를 밤알바 함께 살펴보면 선택하기 편합니다. 개인 일정과 체력에 맞춰 적절한 시간을 정하는 것이 꾸준히 활동하는 데 중요합니다.
일상에서 쌓이는 긴장을 관리하려면 규칙적인 휴식과 생활 습관이 중요하다는 생각이 듭니다. 이동 시간을 줄이고 편안한 공간에서 돌볼 기회를 수원출장마사지 마련할 수 있습니다. 개인의 건강 상태를 고려해 적절한 관리 방식을 선택하고 무리하지 않는 것이 좋겠습니다.