WORK IT
Defensive dancing
September 4, 2009
Paola Loriggio
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Mastering the fluid movements of capoeira takes a lot of patience.
The martial art evolved on Brazil's sugar plantations some 400 years ago, created by African slaves who disguised their nimble steps as dance to avoid suspicion. Music sets the pace.
The sweeping kicks, feints and dodges might look easy, but they require focus, control and regular practice, says Marinaldo DaSilva (also known as Contra Mestre Bola), founder of Capoeira Camarà, a school with several locations in Canada and abroad.
The school will perform a free show Monday afternoon at the Harbourfront Centre.
Beginners often struggle to keep up with the music while evading their opponent, DaSilva says.
The constant squats, kicks and acrobatics can lead to sore legs the next day.
"It humbles you," the teacher says. "But at the end of class, you feel like you accomplished something."
In capoeira, every step starts with the ginga, to prepare and protect the body:
The Ginga
1. Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width, knees bent about 45 degrees.
2. Take a big step back with your right leg, planting the ball of your foot about half a metre behind your left foot. At the same time, swing your right arm in front of your face to protect it.
3. Come back to your starting position, then step back with your left foot, swinging your left arm forward.
4. Repeat.
Toronto Star
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