Capoeira is a dance-martial art with its roots in the Afro-Brazilian slave culture. Legend has it that slaves disguised their martial practice from the slave owners by introducing music and singing. Capoeira has developed into a smooth, acrobatic, stylised and interactive “game” of attack and avoidance. It requires balance, agility, rhythm and extreme control. Emphasis on freedom of expression and the intrinsic value of each individual continue to be important aspects of capoeira. CEYA currently gives free bi-weekly capoeira classes in five Cape Town areas: Bonteheuwel, Delft, Langa, Manenberg and Abbostdale. These children also participate in ‘integration classes’ where they are brought together to play and are taken on outings as much as possible.
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