Pronounced Cap-oh-air-ah.
Brasilian rhythmic
fighting dance developed over 300 years ago when African
slaves were first brought to
Brazil. It is a blend of music, spirituality, kicks and other acrobatics similar to a Central
African dance called n’golo or "
zebra dance".
Slaves were not permitted to fight or practice any form of self-defense, so they developed the dance-like movements of capoeira to disguise its true intention. The fluid movements act to distract and confuse a would be attacker.
The art form has gained popularity the world over and capoeira clubs and academies can be found in most major cities and in countries as far away from Brazil as Australia and Singapore.