CAPOEIRA MUSIC

Music is an essential part of capoeira, and I can only speak for myself when I say that this is something else that I struggle with. Music is what makes capoeira Capoeira. Without it it would just be another martial art. We play to the rythm of the music, we feed off the energy of the Orchestre and also the other Capoeiristas.

Even though I practice, I only know about a dozen songs that I can lead. And the berimbau is not an easy instrument to learn. I practice, but not nearly enough to be able to lead the Orchestre yet. Unlike the pandeiro, atabaque and agogo, knowing how to play the rythm is not enough when it comes to the berimbau. You have to actually be able to hold it.

I AM HUMBLED

My trip to Brazil this past August left me humbled. Other than trips within the U.S. and Canada, this first international trip was a life changing experience. Firstly, to see such struggle and happiness all at once was fascinating...this is what life is all about. To be content with just having life and breath. I came across so many locals and was truly humbled, they really had nothing more than thoughts, ideas, dreams..and each other. I partied with Brazilians that I knew had nothing (material & $$$) compared to what we have here in the U.S., yet they partied hard, had fun, lived for the moment and gave me tips on what they saw in me. They told me over and over again to stop living small and live big - and they were right. Live big (not in a monetary or materialistic way), but just live life, enjoy life, have fun, be free, do whatever you feel, don't be shy, dance for no reason at all, and above all give thanks. Brazil was not about the beautiful beaches, it was about the beautiful people....a trip I will not soon forget.