Capoeira Brasil Chicago: Colibri

Meet Madame Satã, a gay drag performer who became one of the most feared capoeiristas in the 20th century. He found his strength within femininity, and used it to challenge gender norms of the time while defending the marginalized communities within Lapa. His skill, strength, and self-acceptance has turned Madame Satã into a q***r symbol of resistance.

As we explore femininity in capoeira, we wanted to dedicate our Fridays to historical figures that have shaped capoeira and other African-Brazilian arts directly or indirectly. As we learn more about these figures, we hope that everyone is able to take something from each of these historical figures’ biographies.

Meet Aqualtune, Kongolese royalty who led an army of thousands. She fought the oppressive system of slavery and the objectification of her body becoming one of the most successful leaders of Quilombo dos Palmares, the largest maroon society in South America. Her bravery, resilience and strength changed the course of history.

As we explore femininity in capoeira, we wanted to dedicate our Fridays to historical figures that have shaped capoeira and other African-Brazilian arts directly or indirectly. As we learn more about these figures, we hope that everyone is able to take something from each of these historical figures’ biographies.

Meet Na Agontimé, a Dahomean kpojito (queen-mother) who survived slavery across the Atlantic and created one of the most traditional, and woman-led candomblé temples in Brazil. Her legacy, Casa das Minas, still stands in São Luís, Maranhão and is a symbol of resistance, tradition and matriarchy.

As we explore femininity in capoeira, we wanted to dedicate our Fridays to historical figures that have shaped capoeira and other African-Brazilian arts directly or indirectly. As we learn more about these figures, we hope that everyone is able to take something from each of these historical figures’ biographies.

Meet Maria Ar**ha, a Ghanaian woman whose story highlights incredible resilience and strength. Her fight for freedom revealed a great military strategist that led to the creation of one of the largest and structured maroon societies in Brazil.

As we explore femininity in capoeira, we wanted to dedicate our Fridays to historical figures that have shaped capoeira and other African-Brazilian arts directly or indirectly. As we learn more about these figures, we hope that everyone is able to take something from each of these historical figures’ biographies.

Excited to share the results of our survey “Identifying Barriers to Women Within Capoeira in the US”! This is just the beginning of our mission to increase the retention of females and femmes in capoeira. Our study revealed challenges like lack of community support, pregnancy, childcare, and more.

We hope capoeira leaders will use this report to create a more inclusive environment for women. While our questions were designed to be broad, we also caught a small glimpse of issues like misogynoir, homophobia, and transphobia within the community.

Stay tuned for more as we work together to make capoeira a welcoming space for everyone. 💪🏽❤️

We first want to thank everyone for taking their time and responding to our survey. We have been entrusted with some deep and personal stories, and we are thankful people felt comfortable sharing them with us.

We are still early in the data analysis process, but we noticed a large percentage of respondents had inquiries about a Code of Conduct and what that system might look like. So we thought of sharing the Code of Conduct process we adopted at our home, the Chicago Capoeira Center.

Our Code of Conduct was first drafted in 2014 with the initial intent of being used at our events. In 2018, the Code of Conduct was expanded to include all aspects of our capoeira community, including day-to-day in the academy, and also include a student-led Committee that oversees and ensures the community is abiding to the Code of Conduct. Everyone, from those trying capoeira for the first time to guests invited for events, in Chicago Capoeira Center spaces must sign the Code of Conduct before participating in any of our activities.

We would be glad to answer any questions about this. Please DM us or reach the Code of Conduct Committee directly at [email protected].

As a woman-led group, we at times take for granted that what we experience on our day-to-day may not be the norm for the rest of capoeira. Women have been fighting for their own space, including in capoeira, for a very long time; and many women are still training without having any significant female representation directly close to them.

Our most recent project looking at all of the black cords of our group, Grupo Capoeira Brasil, led to some surprising results. We found out that the group has 81 black cords other than the founding mestres. Out of these 81 black cords, only 4 are women. Looking around the capoeira world, a similar reality seems to exist regardless of group.

There are more women in capoeira now than in the past, but there still seems to be a lack of representation in the positions of leadership. With this in mind, Mestra Colibri, Graduado Fantasma and Monitora Esperta created this survey to further understand the barriers that are still challenging women in capoeira today in the US.

This survey is 100% anonymous, and we can never travel the answers back to those who respond. Link is in bio.

Any questions please DM us or Fantasma.

SAVE THE DATE! Dandara Ainda Vive on May 22nd - May 25th, 2025

We are still riding the high from our Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu, and we couldn’t curb ourselves announcing our next event. Dandara Ainda Vive has been an idea in our heads for over 5 years, and we are happy to announce that it will be finally happening on Memorial Day weekend of 2025.

This event will fall on a very special year, as it marks Mestra Colibri’s 35 years of capoeira ( )! So plan ahead, budget and don’t miss this amazing event!!

Guest List:

Mestra Baixinha - Grupo Capoeira Brasil - Niterói, Brazil ( )

Mestra Claudinha - Grupo Capoeira Brasil - Barra de São João, Brazil ( )

Mestra Sabrina - Beribazu - Vitória, Brazil ( )

Mestra Ana Sabiá - Grupo Senzala - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ( )

Mestra Tida - Grupo Senzala - Ubá, Brazil ( )

Mestra Tigresa - Sina de Capoeira - Chapel Hill, USA ( )

And the soon-to-be-official Mestras Pavão and Joy from Grupo Capoeira Brasil Northeast Los Angeles and New York City ( & ).

Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu. As we take our time and look at all the footage of the event, we wanted to first highlight these beautiful moments captured by Mestre Lobinho (.capoeira ) that show the true essence of this event—community. The smiles and camaraderie in these photos keeps us going and we cannot wait to see all these smiles again next year.

Thank you again for making this event a memorable one!

We are tremendously grateful for everybody who supported our event this past weekend. Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu would not be able to happen without all of the support we received. We are happy to have had representation from various groups and from not only the US but also Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Poland, Hungary, Switzerland and Japan.

A special thanks to these individuals:

Mestre Paulinho Sabiá
Mestre Paulão do Ceará
Mestre Boneco
Mestra Tigresa
Mestre Lobinho .capoeira
Mestre Cabeção
Formanda Joy
Formanda Pavão
Formando Mortal
Formanda Amazonas
Contrsmestre Grilo
Contramestre Tinta Forte
Contramestre Quati
Professora Esquilo
Professor Jequitibá
Professor Santo .santo.domingo
Professora Trindade
Professor Camundongo
Professor Macumbeiro
Professora Clari
Professor Robozinho
Instrutor Gaspar
Our amazing dance teacher, Dill Costa
And the newly minted Professor Acoisa !

We also want to give a special thanks to our sponsors for this event:
Café Brasil Legal
Wellness Revolution .wellness.revolution
Black Barrel Lounge

And a special thanks to Professor Esquilo for creating a beautiful event art!

This starts tomorrow, all the way through Sunday! All ages are welcome, no experience is required.

Join us for workshops featuring capoeira, various Brazilian dances, and more! New to these arts? Enjoy FREE admission and workshops!

Dates: May 30—June 2, 2024
Location: Chase Park (4701 N Ashland Ave, Chicago)
Contact: [email protected]

Get your free tickets today at
https://events.humanitix.com/ubuntu

Come with your friends and family for a great time. See you there!

Capoeira and Dance Workshops at Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu | Humanitix Capoeira and Dance Workshops in Chicago - Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu

Did someone say Ohio? Our friend, Professor Santo (.santo.domingo ), is coming all the way from the Buckeye State to join us in our celebration. Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu is starting in just 3 days. Pack your white shirts and pants and come join us!

Have you registered yet? Use the link in bio or go to colibricb.com/events.

If you are looking for a place to stay in town, the event will take place at Chase Park. Neighborhoods that are nearby include Ravenswood, Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square and Lakeview.

Please DM us with any questions.

Our great friend, Professor Camundongo ( ) will be coming, will you? Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu will be starting in 5 days! Have you registered yet? Registration link is in the bio or go to colibricb.com/events.

If you are looking for a place to stay in town, the event will take place at Chase Park. Neighborhoods that are nearby include Ravenswood, Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square and Lakeview.

Please DM us with any questions

Professor Macumbeiro ( ) is coming to the US for the first time, and he will be here in Chicago to celebrate with us! Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu is less than a week away. Make sure to register! Link can be found in our bio or go to colibricb.com/events.

If you are looking for a place to stay in town, the event will take place at Chase Park. Neighborhoods that are nearby include Ravenswood, Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square and Lakeview.

Please DM us with any questions.

MEET ESTAGIÁRIA DENDÊ ( )! Dendê is a rising talent within the capoeira world and is coming to the US for the first time ever, and she will be traveling through multiple locations across the country.

This initiative is brought with the intent of showcasing young talented capoeiristas that greatly contribute to this rich art. This was born from a beautiful collaboration between Mestra Minha Velha ( ), Mestra Colibri ( ), Formanda Joy ( ) and Instrutora Reba ( )

May 22nd - May 27th: Los Angeles with Mestra Minha Velha

May 28th - June 5th: Chicago with Mestra Colibri

June 6th - June 9th: New York City with Formanda Joy

June 10th - June 16th: Charlotte with Instrutora Reba

We dedicated this week to all of the Formados and Mestres of Grupo Capoeira Brasil! Currently, other than the founding mestres, there are 81 Formados and Mestres in Grupo Capoeira Brasil spread all over the world.

Dedicamos esta semana para todos os Formados e Mestres do Grupo Capoeira Brasil! Atualmente, com exceção dos mestres fundadores, o Grupo Capoeira Brasil conta com 81 Formados e Mestres espalhados pelo mundo todo.

We are 1 week away from our Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu! Make sure to register using the link in our bio or at colibricb.com/events.

If you are looking for a place to stay in town, the event will take place at Chase Park. Neighborhoods that are nearby include Ravenswood, Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square and Lakeview.

Please DM us with any questions.

We are celebrating 35 years of GCB! This week, we’re shining the spotlight on the incredible Formados and Mestres of Grupo Capoeira Brasil! 🌟 Stay tuned as we honor these leaders who keep our traditions alive and inspire us daily with their skill, wisdom, and dedication.

Esta semana estamos homenageando os incríveis Formados e Mestres do Grupo Capoeira Brasil 🌟 Todo dia estaremos honrando esses líderes que mantém a nossa tradição viva e nos inspira diariamente com sua capoeira, sabedoria e dedicação.

We are exactly 1 WEEK AWAY from our Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu! Make sure to register using the link in our bio or at colibricb.com/events.

If you are looking for a place to stay in town, the event will take place at Chase Park. Neighborhoods that are nearby include Ravenswood, Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square and Lakeview.




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We are celebrating the 35 years of GCB! This week, we’re shining the spotlight on the incredible Formados and Mestres of Grupo Capoeira Brasil! 🌟 Stay tuned as we honor these leaders who keep our traditions alive and inspire us daily with their skill, wisdom, and dedication.

We are almost 1 week away from our Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu! Make sure to register using the link in our bio or at colibricb.com/events.

If you are looking for a place to stay in town, the event will take place at Chase Park. Neighborhoods that are nearby include Ravenswood, Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square and Lakeview.

Please DM us with any questions.




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This week, we’re shining the spotlight on the incredible Formados and Mestres of Grupo Capoeira Brasil! 🌟 Stay tuned as we honor these leaders who keep our traditions alive and inspire us daily with their skill, wisdom, and dedication.

We are a little over 1 week away from our Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu! Make sure to register using the link in our bio or at colibricb.com/events.

If you are looking for a place to stay in town, the event will take place at Chase Park. Neighborhoods that are nearby include Ravenswood, Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square and Lakeview.


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This week, we are shining the spotlight on the incredible Formados and Mestres of Grupo Capoeira Brasil! 🌟 Stay tuned as we honor these leaders who keep our traditions alive and inspire us daily with their skill, wisdom, and dedication.



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We present to you the cord system of Grupo Capoeira Brasil. The founding mestres continued to use cords as a way to structure the group, similarly to Grupo Senzala, although they decided to change some of the colors.

We are 2 weeks away from our Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu! Make sure to register using the link in our bio or at colibricb.com/events.

If you are looking for a place to stay in town, the event will take place at Chase Park. Neighborhoods that are nearby include Ravenswood, Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square and Lakeview.

Please DM us with any questions.

We went back in time to recover information of how Grupo Capoeira Brasil got its name and how the logos have changed during these 35 years of history.

We are 2 weeks away from our Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu! Make sure to register using the link in our bio or at colibricb.com/events.

If you are looking for a place to stay in town, the event will take place at Chase Park. Neighborhoods that are nearby include Ravenswood, Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square and Lakeview.

Please DM us with any questions.

35 years ago, Grupo Capoeira Brasil was founded. Inspired by the theme of our event, we dug a little deeper into the history of our group and its founders, and we will be sharing what we learned with you this week!

We are officially 2 weeks away from our Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu! Make sure to register using the link in our bio or at colibricb.com/events.

If you are looking for a place to stay in town, the event will take place at Chase Park. Neighborhoods that are nearby include Ravenswood, Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square and Lakeview.

Please DM us with any questions.

Meet MESTRE PAULINHO SABIÁ ( ), one of the founders of Grupo Capoeira Brasil. Inspired by the theme of our event, we dug a little deeper into the history of our group and its founders, and we will be sharing what we learned with you this week!

We are a little over 2 weeks away from our Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu! Make sure to register using the link in our bio or at colibricb.com/events.

If you are looking for a place to stay in town, the event will take place at Chase Park. Neighborhoods that are nearby include Ravenswood, Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square and Lakeview.

Please DM us with any questions.

Meet MESTRE BONECO ( ), one of the founders of Grupo Capoeira Brasil. Inspired by the theme of our event, we dug a little deeper into the history of our group and its founders, and we will be sharing what we learned with you this week!

We are a little over 2 weeks away from our Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu! Make sure to register using the link in our bio or at colibricb.com/events.

If you are looking for a place to stay in town, the event will take place at Chase Park. Neighborhoods that are nearby include Ravenswood, Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square and Lakeview.

Please DM us with any questions.

Meet MESTRE PAULÃO DO CEARÁ ( ), one of the founders of Grupo Capoeira Brasil. Inspired by the theme of our event, we dug a little deeper into the history of our group and its founders, and we will be sharing what we learned with you this week!

We are a little over 2 weeks away from our Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu! Make sure to register using the link in our bio or at colibricb.com/events.

If you are looking for a place to stay in town, the event will take place at Chase Park. Neighborhoods that are nearby include Ravenswood, Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square and Lakeview.

Please DM us with any questions.

We have updated our schedule for our Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu! There is still time to register and pre-pay for the Saturday dinner and skip the line 🎉🎉

Registration link in bio or go to colibricb.com/events.

If you are looking for a place to stay in town, the event will take place at Chase Park. Neighborhoods that are nearby include Ravenswood, Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square and Lakeview.

Please DM us with any questions.

Of course we couldn’t close off our guest list without giving it up to our own mestra, Mestra Colibri ( ). We are counting the days to host all of these wonderful guests and students from all over the globe 🌎 Vivência de Capoeira IV: Ubuntu is going to be one of a kind!! Don’t miss it!!

Registration link in bio or go to colibricb.com/events.

If you are looking for a place to stay in town, the event will take place at Chase Park. Neighborhoods that are nearby include Ravenswood, Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square and Lakeview.

Please DM us with any questions.