After last year's success of Passo Co's first Capoeira performance in Nicosia, the Pharos Trust has invited them back for the second consecutive year of Brazilian Cultural Days in Cyprus to perform new pieces and offer another round of workshops to all who are interested in learning more about this art form.

Capoeira is...
A combination of performance and lecture demonstration exposing the ‘story’ and origins of the art form with stunning movement. Multi-media elements including capoeira movement, percussion and explanation, images and film come together to create an inspirational introduction to the origins of Capoeira in slavery, and its subsequent development into an art form that is enjoyed internationally and which has a continuing influence on contemporary culture.

Choreography: Sylvia Bazzarelli
Performers: Marcos dos Santos, Joelson Rosende

Brazilian Music

Paulo de Oliveira and Carlos Fuentes have worked extensively across Britain and Europe covering venues such as the Barbican Arts Centre, the Royal Festival Hall, the Brazilian Embassy, the Jazz Cafe, the Mermaid Theatre and the Tabernacle amongst others. They have helped to promote together with Passo Co, the launch of the Nokia phone in Paris, British Gas Co in London and Lebanon 2000 in Lebanon. Their music is soft and captivating, covering a range of Brazilian classics such as Caetano Velozo and Joao Gilberto.

Paulo de Oliveira (guitar) & Carlos Fuentes (percussion)

Roda de Capoeira

Performers and musicians come together to demonstrate the fascinating and traditional Roda de Capoeira.

Performers: Marcos dos Santos, Joelson Rosende, Justyna Jozefiak, Michael Harris

Music: Paulo de Oliveira (guitar), Carlos Fuentes (percussion)

CAPOEIRA DANCE WORKSHOPS

October 23, 2005 / 09:30-11.30am and 12:00-14:00pm / Melina Mercouri Hall, Nicosia

Members of the London School of Capoeira will be giving two workshops for dance, movement and martial arts enthusiasts. Members of the public interested in learning and experiencing this art form are also encouraged to participate in this exclusive opportunity. Please contact the Trust for fee and registration information; spaces are limited. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable clothing.

About Capoeira

The jogo or game of Capoeira is more than just a dance, a fight or a way to keep fit - it is about movement, music and self-expression. Capoeira incorporates diverse elements of African culture including dance, music and acrobatics, as well as various fighting forms disguised as dance and based on the principles of surprise and improvisation. It derives its roots from the days of Portuguese colonialism in Brazil, when African slaves were forced to create an unknown and creative fighting form, both as a means of defense and freedom from slavery. From the Quilombos – hidden communities in the deep forests of northeast Brazil – to the streets of Salvador, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Capoeira thrives as an expression of life and resistance.

About the Company

Passo Co has created a new language of performing art derived from the Brazilian fight dance Capoeira. The work of Passo Co has developed and strengthened the concept of Capoeira as an art form, dance and expression through choreographed works, traditional performances and workshops, exploring the relationship between the traditional and the contemporary Capoeira forms. Passo Co was established in 1993 by Sylvia Bazzarelli and Marcos dos Santos, both graduates of the Association of Capoeira Senzala of Master Sombra, Santos, Brazil and founders of the London School of Capoeira – the first official Capoeira school in the UK. The School’s dedicated work is ongoing and extensive, reaching across Britain and Europe and exploring the skills and talent of experienced Capoeristas.