Centro
da Tribo Afro Bahiana de Capoeira Angola Tradicional (Centro TABCAT), our organization,
teaches, supports, performs and promotes Brazilian culture. In particular
we focus on the art of Capoeira. The organization strives to work with underserved
communities in Michigan to develop comprehensive programs around Brazilian
art-forms. These programs are focused on developing “life skills”
(listed below) for different communities. We also support the work of Brazilian
artists residing in the U.S and other parts of the world.
WHAT
IS CAPOEIRA?
Capoeira is an Brazilian dance/defense developed 500 years ago in Brazil
to fight against slavery/oppression. It is derived from teachings/traditions
of the African communities brought to Brazil during slavery. The purpose of
the art was to disguise a fight in dance so that these communities could fight
against oppression without being persecuted. The art combines, music, dance,
philosophy, education/history , acrobatics and self defense to form the “Game
of Capoeira” which is called the “Jogo”. Capoeira is now
taught all over the U.S and the world.
WHAT
LIFE SKILLS DOES IT TEACH?
The art form now is used in the communities in Brazil to help ascend beyond
urban challenges such as violence, drugs, and building self-confidence through
teaching tradition, history and non-violence. These are translated into “life
skills” that are helpful to both youth and adults. Including: Impulse
Control, Confidence, Self-Discipline, Self-sufficiency, Intergenerational
learning,, fitness, self-respect and respect for others. Capoeira is for women
and men and has no color. It is based on the capacity of people in the game.
WHAT
WILL CHILDREN AND ADULTS LEARN?
Capoeira has both music and movement incorporated into the art so participants
in the programs learn a lot. They learn: Music/Rhythm, New language (Portugese-Baianes),
Movement and muscle control, history and culture/education, and other dances
and music of Brazil.
WHO
IS THE INSTRUCTOR?
Mestre Caboquinho, a native of Salvador Bahia has been practicing and teaching
Capoeira for over 35 years. He received his graduation of mastery in Capoeira
Angola in 1989 and has established many schools all over the U.S. He has performed
in a variety of Brazilian dance troupes starting when he was 17 years
of age. He has performed with infamous performance troupes including Oba Oba,
Viva Bahia, Ile Aiye and on Broadway.
Some our past workshops/programs included Roberto Clemente Community Center, Newberry Elementary School, Consortium Prepatory high school, Western International High School, Aisha Shule African centered school, Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences, YMCA, Martin Luther King high school, U-Prep and Cass Tech high school.
OUR
PROGRAMS
-Teach Capoeira to youth and adults
-Collaborate with schools and organizations to culminate after-school programs
and projects
-Dance/rhythm program-to learn the other dances/music of Brazil and perform
-2-week cultural immersion program of Bahia Brazil
-Our group offers performances and workshops