Class Specifics
- Length: generally 1 1/2 to 2 hrs long, beginning with some stretching or music practice; arrive 10-15 min. early to allow for changing.
- Number of students: anywhere from 5-20
- Space: a dance studio or gym, usually with a wooden or ‘sprung’ floor
- Age range: open
What to Wear
For beginners, bring loose-fitting sports pants and a clean t-shirt (no shorts). if you attend regularly you will eventually need to invest in a uniform- basically, loose white pants and a branded t-shirt.
Getting Physical
Capoeira can be an intense muscular and cardiovascular workout, but don’t be afraid of trying it because you’re not an athlete, gymnast or acrobat. Beginners aren’t expected to do cartwheels and handstands from the start. Your fitness level will build. After a few months of training, you might be surprised at what you can do.
Levels, Ages and Sexes
In a capoeira class the most experienced students are usually placed in the front, so newer students can observe them. You can tell someone’s level by looking at their corda (belt) color. A ‘high cord’ could be young or old, man or woman. Generally, everyone trains together, but if there are many experienced or beginner level students the teacher may divide the class up.
Starting with the Ginga
The ginga, which means ‘sway’ in Portuguese, is the basic capoeira step. All attack, escape and acrobatic movements in capoeira are connected by the ginga, so it’s worth practicing. If you can relax and enjoy yourself in a ginga, the energy of capoeira will come to you before you know it.
Self-Expression
Watch any capoeira game and you’ll see everyone (even a beginner) has their own unique style. Allow yours to develop – bring your personality to it, rather than trying to imitate someone else. Feel the movements, rather than watching yourself in a mirror.
Conduct & Respect
There are many small rules and customs in capoeira to learn- take time to observe how students interact with each other and with the teacher. If you have questions or problems, wait for a slow moment in class before bringing them to your teacher. Chances are he will already be aware of an issue. Higher level students will generally be helpful and patient as well.
More Than a Workout
Capoeira isn’t just a form of exercise – it’s an art form. You may want to take up capoeira because it looks so cool and gives you a great physical workout, but a true capoeirista (one who plays capoeira) learns about the culture and history associated with it, and to play the instruments and sing the songs. That will take some time, so be patient!