Australian Dance Week
Brazilian Workshops Program
SATURDAY 10 May 2008
Brimbank

6:00 pm- 7:15 pm
CAPOEIRA Workshop
(Mixed, Ages 12+)
Teacher: Professor Leo Viralata from Capoeira Ginga Mundo
In the 16th Century, Africans were carried away in ships by the Portuguese to new found lands in the Americas. These Africans were forced onto the sugar cane fields and into a life of slavery. Housed in crowded, filthy slave quarters called Senzalas, they began to run away. These runaways then formed communities known as Quilombos. The most famous of these communities was called Quilombo dos Palmares, with more than 20,000 inhabitants, including Africans and some native Brazilian Indians. One of their great leaders was Zumbi, who became famous because of his defensive skills and numerous victories against the dominating Portuguese. In the Quilombos, self freed slaves shared and learned their differing dances, rituals, religions and games from each other.

They developed a system of ambushes and together with fast tricky movements the slaves caused considerable damages. It is believed that one of the earliest forms of Capoeira was born* in the Quilombos. Capoeira became their weapon, their symbol of freedom. Princess Isabel signed the abolition of slavery on May 13, 1888 but the practice of Capoeira remained prohibited until 1920. Music, dance and rituals were incorporated, helping disguise the practice of a deadly and forbidden art. Capoeiristas (practitioner of Capoeira) always did their best to keep the tradition alive by presenting it as a folk dance which in turn made it more acceptable to society. Nicknames were used to hide from authority during the time of prohibition. 

Presently in Brazil it is practiced as a national sport through all levels of society, at schools, universities, clubs and in military academies. The rest of the world too has taken to Capoeira. From very different countries, backgrounds and religions, the practitioners of the world today play Capoeira to express themselves through this very animated, vibrant, exciting and rich art form. Capoeira has come of age from expression of freedom to expression of self.

* Many historians and Capoeira enthusiasts debate the origins of Capoeira. The present theory in Brazil indicates that Capoeira is of African origin but was created and evolved on Brazilian soil.

7.30pm - 9:00 pm-
Brazilian Dance Workshop
Samba & Beyond! - Dance to Drums !!!
(Mixed, Ages 12+)
Teacher: Belinda + MelSamba_SHOW bateria LIVE !!!

An instant hit with Brimbank Festival crowds, MelSamba is Australia´s Premier Samba Band and School. MelSamba is headed by Brazilian master drummer Carlos Ferreira who hails from Rio de Janeiro where he spent his formative years performing with many of Rio´s leading Samba Schools. MelSamba is highly sought after at major festivals across Australia and overseas. One of MelSamba's finest dance teacher Belinda, will be sharing with you her knowledge & passion for Brazilian dance!!
Not to be missed!!

Fee: ONLY $5 per session per person
No need to book in advance; simply rock up on the night.
It is worthwhile, however to check this page for any relevant information prior to workshops.

VENUE: Old Shire Hall, Kennedy Street, Keilor
(Mel Ref 14 H6)