It has the harmony of a dance and the speed of a martial art, it is a game to the rhythm of music and a fluid physical exercise that stretches the muscles and widens the breath. Capoeira is not limited to one discipline, but – between play and art – includes several and for this reason it is particularly suitable for girls and boys.
Dancing to get to know each other, this is how good it is for children by Cinzia Lucchelli 01 December 2022
Born in Brazil
The wealth also lies in its history: it was born in Brazil among African slaves. Seeking a way to transform nostalgia into courage to live, they trained by disguising the struggle as dance. And, if it once did not enjoy an excellent reputation, today in Brazil it has become an educational tool for children living in disadvantaged situations. In 1974 it became a national sport in Brazil, leaving the shadow in which it had remained for years. In 2014 it was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible heritage of humanity.
In Italy
In Italy there are several groups and associations engaged in its teaching. Even for therapeutic purposes. Practicing it, in fact, is good from many points of view. As an aerobic activity it helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system; teaches you to breathe slowly and deeply; It involves different muscles, stretching and strengthening them. It trains you to improve balance, coordinate your body, control the space around you and relate to others. Not only the body benefits from it. “Just as the African slaves in Brazil tried to safeguard their cultural identity, in the same way today we can help children and young people to work on themselves”, explains the psychologist Anna-Maria Merti, promoter of psycho-pedagogical and therapeutic courses linked to capoeira. “As a bodily dialogue, it uses a language with which the little ones can express themselves; as a game with open rules, it helps them integrate into the group”.
Children no longer know how to run, how to help them by Cinzia Lucchelli 16 June 2023
The circle between music and singing
An example? “In the roda, the circle that is created surrounded by music and singing, there are different roles and the child can change them: he can be a musician, a spectator or train with another child inside the circle. In this context there is a job on looking, on being looked at, so important for the little ones, especially those who have low self-esteem”. They seek their identity within the group and then expose themselves to it. You work with the body, you look at the other, you move to the rhythm: there are many senses involved. As well as the possible evolutions that allow children to choose whether to favor dance or martial art, theater or music later on.
Subjects