Here’s a 90-second video of KS1&2 children playing capoeira from JingaFest (June 2011)

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Workshop options

1 -- Movement (KS1-5) -- Learn to sway like a banana tree and move like a monkey, cat and lizard as you build new relationships with your partner through movement and rhythm.As well as improving coordination, strength, flexibility and spatial awareness, this workshop improves communication, confidence and social skills through a ‘movement conversation’ with a partner. Using non-contact kicks and dodges, simple footwork and ground movements, the emphasis here is on individual expression, connection a partner and control. Teachers can use this workshop to create final performance pieces.

2 -- Percussion and singing (KS1-5) – These sessions use capoeira, samba and other African rhythms on instruments as well as hand clapping and singing to improve timing, communication and rhythm. Instruments (provided): Agogo (cow bells), reco reco (guiro), pandeiro (tambourine), drums (Djembe, Conga & Atabaque) and berimbau (one-stringed, bow-like instrument unique to capoeira). Includes a brief cultural introduction to Brazilian history.  Children learn Brazilian Portuguese through call and response songs in a group as well as about breathing, harmonies and group energy. Through translation of the African slave songs, participants will also gain an insight into an era of slavery and colonization.

3- Jinga Community Cohesion (KS3-5) -- Pupils will learn through movement and music how capoeira played a vital role in maintaining community cohesion across continents during slavery and how it is still being used today throughout the world to change lives and develop communities.  This workshop can stand-alone or developed into a flexible curriculum-based project which includes a national and international link-up with other projects in the UK, Brazil and Africa. Additional tasks for further study also included.

Capoeira is perfect for PE, dance, drama and music for all Key Stages