Social events and deadlines beginning to fill up your calendar? Looking for a way to de-stress and blow off some excess steam? We understand that finding motivation to join a new society can start to dwindle and feel like a distant memory. Though we may start off the year with good intentions to try new activities and get in shape, sometimes the paradox of choice can be too overwhelming and result in the inevitable outcome of not joining any and alternatively sitting in front of Netflix with a supersize packet of Dorito’s…
Well, perhaps we can help to inspire you-
Despite being predominantly known for its surfing community, Falmouth University offers a wide variety of societies to keep you active and help expand your social life. One of the more ‘underground’ and culturally inspiring ways to keep fit is by joining Falmouth’s Capoeira society. Never heard of it? Capoeira is a traditional Brazilian art form which has its roots deeply planted in Brazilian history. Originating in the sixteenth century from the oppression of the colonised slaves; capoeira’s style is grounded in a fusion of dance, martial arts and acrobatics. The rhythmic style of capoeira combines musicality and fluid movements from the two opponents, as they play the game in time to the music and each other. The exact translations of capoeira’s origins have been lost over time but it is commonly believed that it emerged as a way for the slaves to overthrow their masters, and have an outlet to express their cultural customs which had been prohibited by the Portuguese colonisers. There are many styles of capoeira which have emerged over time, the style taught at Falmouth university is knows as Capoeira Angola, which is the original form practised in Brazil.
So what can you expect from the sessions?
The capoeira society run sessions every Tuesday from 7pm-8.30pm in the performance centre, studio J. The classes are taught by Brazilian teacher Brisa De Sousa and her husband Chris, whose knowledge and experience is extremely sought after in the capoeira world. The atmosphere of the classes is relaxed and humorous, with all abilities welcome. Despite the actual game of capoeira being a fusion of all the known moves freestyle’d by the capoeiristas, the classes aim to teach students a combination of the basic moves, strength work and acrobatics. The movements are choreographed into small routines and practiced to traditional capoeira music. At the end of the class students are given the opportunity to practice what they’ve learnt with each other and the tutors. Unlike most other martial art and dance classes, a big part of capoeira culture is the music. The capoeira society not only includes the capoeira moves but the learning of capoeira music and Brazilian history.
So, if you’re looking for an all body work out, an insight into a playful and vibrant culture and a booming social life; we suggest you check out the capoeira society and get your teeth into some Brazilian street art.