Forestdale is pleased to celebrate another exciting partnership as arms, legs and music fly through the air. With the help of the Capoeira Center of New York, the Forestdale Capoeira Project has begun on our Forest Hills campus.

Starting March 17, Forestdale teens gather weekly for an hour of exhilarating – and exhausting – movement and rhythm. To the sound of traditional Afro-Brazilian music, the students kick, duck and turn as they become familiar with the basics of the art form.

Capoeira is a martial art that originated in Brazil and combines elements of African music and dance. It developed as a result of the large influx of African slaves into Brazil during that country’s colonial period. As the Capoeira Center’s website explains, “Capoeira is a by-product of the institution of slavery, and those who practice it today are aware of its history of oppression. Even after the abolition of slavery, many looked down on Capoeira as a game of the street.”

The Capoeira Center’s Executive Director, Michelle Rae Pinzon, helped create the Capoeira Project in conjunction with Forestdale staff. In addition, she serves as an assistant instructor for the program as “Trindade,” which translates to “Trinity” in Brazil’s language, Portuguese. Capoeira tradition calls for capoeiristas to be given a nickname, as that served to disguise one’s identity while engaging in the then-outlawed practice in Brazil. That is just one aspect of the hybrid martial art-dance that engages the Forestdale teens today.

Ms. Pinzon dedicates her time and effort to serving New York’s youth in need of guidance and considers Capoeira an excellent outlet for teenagers, especially foster youth like Forestdale’s teens. “I love Capoeira and its ability to touch the lives of young people. It’s a great way for kids to develop control, release anger, learn discipline and improve self-esteem.”

Brazilian native Angelo Ribiero leads the classes at Forestdale as Instructor Gafanhoto (Portuguese for “Grasshopper”). He adds that youth can gain much from understanding and embracing the culture of Capoeira. Because the practice evolved under slavery and later through Brazil’s urban street youth, it connects with those who may lack the motivation or self-esteem to reach for higher goals, he believes. “Capoeira opens doors. It brings kids to a higher level, and they can be inspired to achieve.”

Together with Instructor Gafanhoto and Trindade, Forestdale teens bond through music, dance and a graceful swing of the leg and twist of the torso. Through Forestdale’s collaboration with the Capoeira Center of New York, lessons in foreign history and culture are mixed with tenets of discipline and achievement, to positively affect the lives of youth.

For more information about Capoeira programs, please contact the Capoeira Center of New York at (646) 330-4858 or by email at info@capoeiracenterny.org or visit www.capoeiracenterny.org.