Capoeira is an African-Brazilian dance that effectively blends the art of dance with martial arts. Arranging the body in a continuous motion, Capoeira is a disguised choreography that introduces a range of excellent techniques and movements.
Although it originally started as a ritual dance performed by the African slaves in Brazilto express defense and attack to regain freedom, Capoeira soon evolved into a martial art. Capoeira movements are vital to the game and their strength lies in the flexibility of the Capoeiristas to use them. The player should be able to move round the roda while playing.
The basic movements of Capoeira are the following:
1. Ginga
Ginga is the most common movement of Capoeira. Swinging from side to side, the player gets into the rhythm of the music and he attacks or defends. The Capoeirista moves continually dodging, feinting, attacking and evading.
Ginga uses the whole body. The arms are harmonized so that the body is not being kicked; the torso is engaged to support the feet as the player stands to attack or defend; the upper body leans back so as to avoid kicks, but also forward so as to find a chance to attack the opponent. All the movements should match the rhythm of Capoeira music played by the traditional percussion instrument, the berimbau.
To master the ginga movement, both feet should be kept shoulder width apart and then one foot should be brought back and forth forming a triangle. There are small variations of ginga between Capoeira Angolaand Capoeira Regional. In Capoeira Angola, ginga is a free move and Capoeiristas can use their unique style. In contrast, in Capoeira Regional, ginga is a controlled move leaving little room for spontaneous acting.
2. Negativa
The negativa is a significant ground move and a basic move for many other movements such as queda de rins and tezora. The player uses his body to reverse an attack by keeping a low position with the leg closest to the ground tucked to the chest, the other outspread, the stomach parallel to the ground to keep a balance and the upper arm in front of the face for protection. Negativa can also be used as a sweep. If the opponent attacks with a kick having one leg on the ground, the extended leg can be used as a hook to catch the leg on the ground and pull the opponent towards the defender.
With negativa, Capoeiristas learn to be disciplined and control their movements to the floor as they are allowed to touch the ground only with their palms and soles. In addition, they learn to quickly recover from an attack, or a fall.
Similarly to the ginga, there are small variations of negativa in Capoeira Angolaand Capoeira Regional. In Negativa da Angola, the player is much closer to the ground, while in Negativa da Regional, the player is more erect.
3. Au
Au is both an attack and a defence move that can be the foundation of a number of possible combinations. In its basic form, arms and legs are bowed and the back is curved so that the body keeps a low target profile and the player can produce a kicking maneuver. With Au, Capoeiristas learn to identify their surroundings as they mostly watch their opponent so as to avoid being kicked whilst upside-down. In effect, Au movement integrates attacks from the cartwheel and if carried out correctly it can leave the opponent shaky, unbalanced or even timid to continue.
Au movement comes in a variations known as au batido, au aberto, au batendo, au fechado and au sem mao.
4. Esquiva
Literally meaning ‘escapie’ or ‘dodge’, esquiva exists in many forms but all entail moving the head and torso to avoid an attack.
Esquiva de Baixa looks like an extemely low ginga, but the back foot is further stretched so that the body is brought closer to the ground. If the right foot is back then the left hand will placed on the floor, the right hand will be protecting the face.
Esquiva Lateral is performed with the feet put parallel on the ground, the torso brought down to the left or right and the face protected by the hand so as to avoid the opponent’s kick. This move is known as side dodge or side escape.
Esquiva Diagonal seems like esquiva lateral, but the Capoeirista advances also diagonally of to the right or left of the attack. By placing the front foot in a vertical position to the back foot, bowing down at knees in a low leap, and harmonizing the arms to keep the body balanced, the player escapes the opponent’s attack.
Capoeira can be overwhelming because it has many different moves that cannot be memorized easily. It takes a lot of practice and patience to become a Capoeira master. However, everything starts from these basic movements that serve as a basis for Capoeira kicks, escapes, takedowns and sweeps.
Posts Tagged ‘Dance’
Intro to Capoeira
Friday, July 17th, 2009Learning Freestyle Dancing
Friday, July 10th, 2009Freestyle dance is dancing to music without a choreographed routine. Thus the dance steps are not planned prior to getting out on the dance floor. There is no choreography of the moves and the dancer basically thinks on their feet. Freestyle dance can actually exist in all dance forms and this is where the term freestyle comes into play. You are basically free to do as you please. The dancer is free to make up the routine as they go. But take into account that if you are dancing a waltz to a 4/4 beat you would not normally freestyle dance using tango dance steps.
Freestyle represents freedom, freedom to explore dance steps and moves, yet is usually means that you will dance a particular style in lieu of the music you are listening to. Thus a hip hop dancer would incorporate the use of some hip hop moves while a ballroom dancer would do the same while dancing to the music of Swan Lake.
Hip hop and funk dancing are often deemed as freestyle dancing and this is where confusion often comes into play. This assumption is inaccurate as most hip hop dances are actually choreographed, more so when performed in groups. More often than not hip hop is performed at concerts and much detail is placed into the choreography of each dance. Britney Spears for instance only hires dancers whose moved are well choreographed. This is classified as uniform, unity dancing and allows the performer to dance with their backup dancers.
Hip hop and most other dance styles become freestyle when one dances in a less formal setting. High school dances are deemed freestyle dances. This is one place where freestyle is extremely popular. It allows students to take turns in showcasing their hip hop moves, without pre determining what their moves shall be. Numerous street dancers dance freestyle and the their audience often join in, basically doing their own thing. While some moves are choreographed. Most street dancing is spur of the moment stuff. Therefore they simply go with the flow, but may include a few well rehearsed or choreographed moves they deem as their signature dance steps.
Freestyle ballroom dancing incorporates use of a medley of steps which focus on part learned choreography as well as basic ballroom steps. But with ballroom freestyle you must lead or follow your partner’s basic step pattern. Therefore dancers need good communication skills to carry ballroom freestyle dancing off well. The wrong moves can totally destroy the dance.
Freestyle dancing began in the 1970’s when self expression was welcomed with open arms. Back then it was imply a case of moving and grooving to the music as you wished. This actually replaced most partner dancing, thus women and men alike did not need a partner in order to dance. But the ability to dance freestyle well relies heavily on a person’s ability to dance. ( Their sense of rhythm and knowledge of a few good up to date dance steps.)
Learning Samba Dance
Friday, July 3rd, 2009Samba is a Latin type of dance which came from Brazil. Still, we do not usually dance in ballrooms in the United States and in Europe the Samba in its originality. In Brazil, Samba is done solo as a carnival dance. The way we dance it, is as a dynamic partner dance, in which there is body action and fast leg movements.
Samba dancers when competing usually use sexy costumes which are shiny decorated using rhinestones, while the dancers themselves cover in deep makeup. If you doing social dancing, simply wear whatever you find comfortable, so you can move freely. You are recommended to wear dance shoes even if the dance floor does not require them. Normal shoes which have soles is viable to cause damage to your leg joints.
Samba has a basic four counts which are best described as “one-and-two, three-and-four”. The ‘and’ count is in between the other beats. Therefore, count one and count three are held three quarters of a musical beat, while the ‘and’ count is held for a quarter of a musical beat. Meanwhile, counts two and four are each held for a full musical beat.
The tempo for Samba music is quite fast. You need to take small steps and keep the balls of your feet on floor with knees bent. Remember not to lower heel on the ‘and’ count to keep up pace.
Although there are many steps in Samba, the general steps are forward and back basic step. The steps are similar for both male and female, we only write the male part. The female partner needs only to follow in the other order, starting with right foot following the male and moving with him.
Samba Forward and Back for Male Partner.
Count 1: Step forward with left foot. Put weight on it.
Count and: Bring right foot to left. Then, shift your weight to balls only of your right foot. Remember not to lower your heel.
Count 2: Replace weight on left foot.
Count 3: Step back with right foot. Put weight on your right foot.
Count and: Bring left foot to right. Then, shift your weight to the balls only of your left foot. Remember not to lower your heel.
Count 4: Replace the weight on right foot.
We believe that this simple steps will let you have fun in learning and dancing Samba!
Learning Rumba Dance
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009Rumba is a Latin Ballroom dance which is very sensual. In Rumba, you can find lots of sexy hips, quick turn and stops, body actions, which all are intermixed with slow movements. Learning Rumba is fun and easy since its tempo is slow but still considered normal. Rumba may be danced both in dance floors or small spaces.
First, keep your feet balls towards the floor and do not step or put your feet up with your heels first. Then, bend your knee when moving your foot and then straighten it when putting your weight towards your foot. Always keep your steps small, it must never exceed your shoulder with. By doing this you will be able to maximize motions of your hip and can dance in small spaces.
You will usually start dancing in a closed stance position. First, the male partner takes the female’s right hand in his left, elbows nearly touching and in front of the body, therefore there is still space among the partners which allow free movement. The male partner then places his right arm right under the left arm of the female and then put the other hand on her shoulder blade. The female will place her left hand behind the shoulder of the male, remember to put the hand his back flat. The patterns will then go into open and side by side positions.
Rumba in America is counted in three beats, also recognized as “slow, quick, quick”. Slow means two beats of music step which is for the first count and old, settling into your hip on the second count. Then the quick count which takes one beat of music step.
Although there are many steps in Rumba, we will cover the box step. This is because this is the first step which most people will learn and many patterns will start or end with a box. This is similar both for men and women, therefore, only the male part is noted here. The female need only to do each step in the opposite manner, starting on the right foot and then following the man, moving with him.
Box Step for Man
Slow (counts 1,2): Step forward with left foot. Don’t move your right foot.
Quick (count 3): Step sideways with right foot. Don’t move your left.
Quick (count 4): Bring left foot to meet right. Change your weight to the left.
Slow (counts 5,6): Step back with right foot. Don’t move your left.
Quick (count 7): Step sideways on left foot. Don’t move your right.
Quick (count 8): Bring right foot to meet left foot. Change weight to right foot.
The key to mastering the art of Rumba is simple: Practice, Practice, Practice!
The Fun of Dancing
Friday, May 22nd, 2009We are now living in the era of dancing, whether we would like to acknowledge it or not. Although some dance with two left feet, we have to understand that dancing is significant in our world today because of certain reasons.
First, when we dance, we recognize our freedom. People in some parts of the world do not fully understand what it means to be really free. Dancing in itself is a very good expression of freedom.
Second, dance used in various reality shows now is a very distinct phenomena of our current era. The reality shows are now being televised and also viewed throughout the world. Dancing on stage, in the audience of live people, while at the same time filmed by cameras and then broadcasted throughout the world is also a potential source of great entertainment. Because the show is not edited, all that watch will appreciate the dance on a whole different level.
Third, dancing is a very unique art form that is recognized internationally. It is loved by all people throughout the world as it expresses true human nature. Dancing helps people to explore their imaginations and ideas, and also set their bodies and minds free, while all the way making way for the full manifestation of their potential.
Fourth, when a dancing competition is held, there is international challenge. Almost all participant will attempt to do something new and enjoy themselves doing it. A competition in dancing, will make it much more exciting, and on various levels. All of us who watch can also develop understanding and can also appreciate the dance itself simply because such kind of dance will challenge us, both emotionally and mentally.
Fifth, because dancing is a very excellent way to exercise physically for all, both young and old, none can then argue the benefits of dancing to your health.
Sixth, dancing is currently being brought to new levels. We now witness techniques that show unique performance skills by dancers, while on also enjoying open critique by strict critics. Although we will not be able to comment whether this is a good thing or not, because of such open criticism, dancers skills now develop to an even higher level, an the form of dancing itself is now more refined.
Seventh, dancing comes naturally to some, and is fun to all. Although some people need to work at dancing before they can master it, it is still enjoyable even in the learning process itself.
Hip Hop Dancing
Friday, May 15th, 2009Hip Hop dancing is now a culture which is bound through four types of expression: Turntablism, graffiti art, emceeing, and b-boying. Hip Hop started in the early seventies through parties which were held by DJ Kool Herc, b-boying part of Hip Hop has now expanded to cover all kinds of other dance styles.
B-Boying started in Brooklyn, NY in Kool Herc parties. This particular style was created to satisfy a dancer’s “breaking” point. When a breakdown record is used, b-boys and b-girls will get to the dance floor and then dance the “uprock” and “toprock” moves, therefore moving quickly following the beat and having arm movements which allow more momentum and then even more strenuous footwork. In B-Boying, most styles are freestyle, still, when the dancers hit the floor, there will come even more distinctive moves. Some of the particular styles are Six steps, swipes, spins, freezes and CC’s. They now become a more complex and artistic danceform. One of the evolution is the calling of this style of b-boying dance by Breakdancing in the east coast, while the west coast then developed their brand of Hip Hop funk dance.
One type of funk dance called Locking which was created by Don “Campellock” Campbell is very stylish. It is freestyle, however some moves, notable skeeter rabbits, scoobots, and whichaways signify a locking “feel”. Still, a dancer still needs to dance a move using lots of style to be able to lock. This Lock is a basic move and consists of the movement if stopping abruptly with arms in front as if you are riding a bicycle, sitting on one hip and then slightly bending yourself at the waist.
Other parts of this dance is the feeling of being funky. It becomes comical and can contain acrobatic movements such jumping and landing in splits, or leaping a turn in the air to then landing on your knees. Locking itself is alive and well in the Underground Hip Hop Community since its start, while a recent popularity has been detected throughout all Hip Hop fans. Lockers are findable throughout the world.
Another style of funk dance is Popping, which started with Boogaloo Sam and Poppin’ Pete. Popping started as a mix between Locking and The Robot. Although it has many different styles which range from strutting to tutting, boogaloo and others, the main movement is still the hit.