I first came across Capoeira while doing aikido in France. “Most people define it as a mix of martial art, dance, singing and acrobatics. It’s a Brazilian way of expression, an art form and a way, if you want, of seeing life from upside down, a completely different view of the world,” says Daniella, a practioner from Italy.

“Capoeira represents a street-fight, a martial art and a dance, the dance is the element that keeps everything together. It is all of these elements combined,” she says.

Capoeira originated from the Dutch invasion of Brazil in1624, which caused chaos in the farms and sugar mills of the country. For the slaves, these invasions brought an opportunity for escape. Taking advantage of the nearby forests, they hid themselves and formed communities that would become known as Quilombos.

When the Dutch were expelled from Brazil, the slave owners sent out armed expeditions to recapture the fugitives and destroy the Quilombos. Without weapons, the ex-slaves realised they would have to defend themselves with their hands (and feet!). They created a style of self-defence that would stand against weapons and firearms.

In 1890 Capoeira was outlawed in Brazil. It remained outside of the law until 1928, when it achieved national recognition and became what it is today: a dance, a sport, a game and an artistic expression of freedom.

Capoeira is played in a roda (circle) with the partners exchanging movements of attack and defence in a constant flow. The Capoeiristas explore their strengths and weaknesses, confronting their lack of knowledge, fears and fatigue in an enjoyable, challenging and constant process of self-improvement. Singing of traditional folklore and improvised songs with clapping, enhance the energetic atmosphere and enjoyment of the rodas.

“I learned about Capoeira in Italy,” Daneilla says, “because I had a lot of friends in theatre and they were practising the drama skills of Capoeira. When I arrived in Ireland in 2000, I couldn’t find Capoeira but I met an Irish girl who was starting a class that night!

To find out more about Capoeira, visit www.candeiasdublin.com/