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.