Community Programs

Capoeira Programs

Capoeira Angola is an African-Brazilian art form that involves dance, martial arts, and music. It emerged in Brazil during the years of slavery. The government viewed Capoeira as a public threat, hence the Penal Codes of 1890, which banned the art in public spaces of the cities of Salvador, Recife, and Rio de Janeiro. In the 1930s, the president of Brazil, Getúlio Vargas, reversed the laws banning the practice of Capoeira. Today, Capoeira Angola is an art celebrated worldwide. The art of Capoeira Angola offers substantial benefits to physical and mental health, strength, flexibility, endurance, self-esteem, and discipline. Everyone has the ability to learn Capoeira Angola however; each person expresses the knowledge of it in a unique manner.

The game of Capoeira Angola is performed in a roda (circle) to instruments in the percussion orchestra. One player begins playing the ancient musical bow known as the berimbau. A deep sound resonates from the cabaça (gourd), which is attached to it. It is then accompanied by two more berimbau, two pandeiros (tambourines), a reco-reco (piece of bamboo with grooves), an agogô (double bell), and atabaque (drum). Each instrument playing adds a layer of complexity to the polyrhythm. Iêêêêêêêê! bellows the lead berimbau player. The call reverberates throughout the space. The music intensifies and provides spiritual energy as the roda begins.

Out of respect for each other, the players shake hands before entering the roda. The game is technical and playful at the same time. The players use their legs and head to trap and avoid being trapped by their opponents. As the game proceeds, the players may perform a kick, an aú (cartwheel), and other moves that bring the players low to the ground.

The game of Capoeira Angola is pure theater. The players try to trick their opponents into doing things that leave them vulnerable. The antic is successful! The onlookers break into smiles and cackles. One player kicks, but is swept. The tricked player learns however, to embrace the ideals of humility and respect. The player picks himself up and smiles, knowing that the best course of action is reflection. Capoeira Angola prepares one to deal with the realities of life in a creative and healthy manner.
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Literacy Program

Literacy is an essential aspect of life. It focuses on phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. Literacy leads to academic success, desireable employment, and a happy life. Literacy allows people to be citizens; they can participate in society to their fullest potential. When people can’t read, they can’t fill out a job application, read traffic signs, and get a driver’s license. Research shows that there is a correlation between illiteracy and criminal behavior.

Brazilian Cultural Foundation (BCF) is dedicated to promoting literacy in Los Angeles. Members of our organization read to and with children with the aim of increasing greater interest in books. Recently, BCF offered cultural events at five Los Angeles Public Libraries that focused on literacy. A Capoeira presentation concluded each of the events.