Splash Biography

Capoeira is more than just a martial art. It is a system that not only teaches a person how to fight, but also passes along traditional African beliefs, music, dances and ideas. Some of you may have heard of capoeira, or seen it on commercials, or on YouTube, or in a park, but do you ever wonder why it’s around everywhere? Capoeira has been discriminated against and even outlawed for much of its existence, so why is it becoming so popular now? Why does it matter? In this class we will explore the roots of capoeira and its evolution. This will be used as a springboard to analyze the role of African culture in an increasingly interconnected and globalized modern world. We will examine the societal and technological changes that allowed for this trend. You will come out of this course with insights into the importance of culture and cultural blending, the implications of globalization as well as knowledge of the basic movements and concepts of capoeira.