🤸 Capoeira: Dance, Fight, and The Greatest Game (B1-B2)

Capoeira is the most famous of the African legacies that combine sport, art, and music. It was developed by Africans in Brazil 🇧🇷 as a form of fighting disguised as dance. Its acrobatic and fluid movements, executed to the sound of the berimbau 🎶, were the most subtle way to train defense and attack without raising suspicion from the slave masters.

Berimbau e Atabaque - Instrumentos musicais da Capoeira

The Berimbau is the most important musical instrument in Capoeira. It not only dictates the rhythm (o toque) but also the style and speed of the game (o jogo). A Capoeira roda (circle) is the best example of a complete cultural manifestation, as it involves singing, playing instruments, and, of course, the jogo (the simulated fight) between two capoeiristas in the center.

Capoeira Was Once Prohibited in Brazil ❌

Unfortunately, for many years, Capoeira was viewed as a marginal activity and was prohibited by law in Brazil. The great historical turning point came in the 20th century, when masters like Mestre Bimba (the first to create a structured teaching method, Capoeira Regional) and Mestre Pastinha (the greatest defender of Capoeira Angola, the most traditional form) fought for its cultural legitimization. Thanks to them, Capoeira is now a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage 🌎.

❓ Comprehension and Vocabulary Exercise (B1-B2)

1. How was Capoeira developed by the Africans?

   • a) As an elite sport.

   • b) As a form of fighting disguised as dance.

   • c) As a religious ritual.

   • d) As a form of swimming.

2. What is the most important musical instrument that dictates the rhythm and style in Capoeira?

   • a) The guitar.

   • b) The samba school drums.

   • c) The berimbau.

   • d) The piano.

3. What does the expression 'jogo' mean in the context of Capoeira?

   • a) A soccer match.

   • b) The simulated and choreographed fight between two capoeiristas.

   • c) A bingo event.

   • d) The singing of instruments.

4. Capoeira was long viewed as a 'marginal' activity. This means it was:

   • a) Highly valued by society.

   • b) Associated with criminals or people on the margins of society.

   • c) Taught only in schools.

   • d) A legalized manifestation.

5. Who was the first master to create a structured teaching method, Capoeira Regional?

   • a) Zumbi dos Palmares.

   • b) Mestre Pastinha.

   • c) Mestre Bimba.

   • d) Mestre João Pequeno.

📄 Download PDF

🤸 A Capoeira_ Dança, Luta e O Maior Jogo (B1-B2).pdf

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Answer Key: 1) b; 2) c; 3) b; 4) b; 5) c