Visiting Master of Brazilian Martial Art Form to Teach Workshops at Colorado State University During International Week, Nov. 6-14

Note to Editors: To arrange for an interview with Master Alcides, contact Karen Wheeler at (970) 491-6435.

Master Alcides de Lima, one of the foremost masters of capoeira in Brazil, will be leading several workshops on the history, tradition and skills of this unique martial art form for three weeks during the month of November at Colorado State University.

Capoeira is a Brazilian art form, with African roots, that combines the flow of interactive movements with music and singing. For Africans and their descendants in Brazil during the slavery period, which spanned the 16th through the 19th centuries, capoeira was originally a means to train covertly for escape and self-defense. Gradually this art form evolved into a means of cultural preservation and social interaction. Over its approximate 300-year history, capoeira has incorporated many aspects of Brazilian history, folklore and popular traditions. Today it is widely practiced by people of all races and socioeconomic classes in Brazil, the United States and many other nations. In recent decades, a few styles of capoeira have even yielded to modern influences such as rap music.

Master Alcides is one of the leading capoeira masters in Brazil with more than 25 years of experience practicing and teaching capoeira skills. He is the founder and leader of the Center for the Study and Application of Capoeira (CEACA) at the University of Sâo Paulo, Brazil. CEACA’s activities include capoeira classes for groups of novices and advanced students, children’s programs in Sâo Paulo elementary schools and work with a theater group that produces plays about Afro-Brazilian history.

Master Alcides will also conduct a workshop on Brazilian drumming and will lecture on the history of Africans and their descendants in Brazil during International Week celebrations at Colorado State, which takes place Nov. 6-14.

The following is a listing of scheduled classes and events led by Master Alcides. For information about Capoeira workshops, call John Kochendorfer at (970)491-3210; for information about International Week, call the Office of International Programs at (970) 491-5917.

Beginning Capoeira Classes: Mondays, Nov. 2, 9 and 16 Music and Singing: 6-6:40 p.m. Movement and capoeira roda: 6:45-9 p.m.General Services Building Room 301, Colorado State campus

Because Master Alcides will follow a progressing course of instruction, please plan on attending all three classes. Classes consist of music and movement instruction. The movement classes require that a participant be in good physical condition. Check with your doctor if you are unsure of your ability to participate.

Capoeira Workshop 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 Lory Student Center Room 230

In this interactive workshop, Master Alcides will teach some of the basics of Capoeira and discuss its history and traditions as practiced in Brazil.

Brazilian Drumming Circle 4-5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11 Lory Student Center Room 230

Learn samba and other popular Brazilian rhythms. Bring your conga, or other drum. Limited number of drums available for those who do not have one.

From Slavery to Samba: the Afro-Brazilian Story 7:30-9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12 Lory Student Center Room 228

By way of lecture and demonstration, Master Alcides will give the audience a sense of the history and culture of Africans and their descendants in Brazil

Capoeira Batizado! 1-5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21 General Services Building Room 303

Capoeiristas and friends and family from all over Colorado will meet to help Master Alcides officially recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the members of the Grupo de Capoeira do Forte. This will be an opportunity to see capoeira and its traditions at their best. Free refreshments.

Photographing and videotaping performances will be allowed only by advanced permission from Master Alcides.