Good news!
Contramestre Bambu’s test results came back negative! This means:
All academy classes will resume as scheduled starting today, Thursday, Oct. 29.
Evanston Classes will resume this Sunday, Nov. 1, at Ridgeville.
Thank you all for being so flexible and understanding during these uncertain times. The state has ordered restaurants to close indoor dining but there have been no new mandates for gyms/classes. We will remain open as long as we are allowed and will keep you in the loop here on our newsletter.
Updates
Arts in the Dark UPSIDE DOWN Halloween Parade
Every year we parade down State Street for the Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade. Sadly, COVID has canceled the regular event, but a handful of us will be participating in this “Upside Down” version, where we will be stationary and spectators will drive past us! The event will be held at Washington Park on Saturday, October 31st, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. All regular classes will be canceled for the day.
If you’re looking for something to do for Halloween this will be a great event. If you’d like to participate, contact us for details!
THIS IS A FREE EVENT BUT YOU MUST RESERVE A TICKET!
Visit www.artsinthedark.org for more information and to reserve your ticket!
Capoeira Portuguese for English Speakers
Contramestre Bambu is devising an online Portuguese class for English speakers that will focus on pronunciation and dialogue used in the academy setting. It will help lay the groundwork to become more fluent by understanding dialogue in a limited and familiar space. We are working out the best time for this class as well as the format. If you are interested, please leave a comment at the bottom of the newsletter!
Did you know…
Anatomy of a Berimbau
Verga(ver-gah)- also called Biriba which is the name of the wood used
Rami(hah-mee) - also called corda(string)
Couro(koh-roo) - leather
Arame(ah-rah-mee) - traditionally the radials of a car tire, recently music wire has become more common due to being more durable, consistent, and accessible.
Cabaça(kah-bah-sah) - 3 sizes Gunga/Berra Boi(deep), Medio(medium), and viola(high)
Baqueta(bah-keh-tah) - small stick of dense wood
Caixixi(kai-shee-shee) - Woven “rattle”
Pedra(pay-drah) - Stone or Rock
Dobrão(doh-brao) - Also called a moeda meaning coin.
Pedra vs Dobrão
The use of a pedra over dobrão, or vice versus, is typically one of personal preference. The dobrão has a metal on metal sound while the pedra has a more “natural” sound. Some Mestres prefer one sound to another. Axé Capoeira uses primarily pedras as that is what Mestre Barrão prefers, as does Contramestre Bambu.
The word Dobrão is the name of a Portuguese and Brazilian currency that circulated from 1707-1750. It translates directly to doubloon, which was a Spanish coin made primarily of 22-karat gold in the same era.
We hope everyone is healthy and safe. Leave us a comment about anything you like!
Love the berimbau lesson, thank you! And very interested in portuguese!