Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, music and self-defense.Though often said to be a martial art disguised as a dance, capoeira originally served not only as a form of self defense, but also as a way to maintain spirituality and culture. In 2014, Capoeira was granted a special protected status as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
BIO:
Mariano Silva is a Master of the Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira. Mestre Mariano Silva teaches academic courses in Capoeira at the University of California Santa Barbara and travels teaching workshops throughout the world. Mestre Mariano Silva’s academy, Capoeira Relampue, is based in Santa Barbara California at the Brazilian Cultural Arts Center of Santa Barbara. Mariano Silva is passionate about using art as a tool to bring people of diverse backgrounds together and build community. Since founding his first academy in 1997, Mariano creates space for community members to discover themselves and support each other through cultural arts.