Capoeira de Saia

“Saia” translates as “skirt” or “pleated skirt”, making it clear: Here, women perform the elegant martial arts dance Capoeira, which is often regarded as a male domain. A statement against the machismo prevailing on the streets of Bahia. The group is performing in Europe for the first time. This women’s ensemble has mastered these smooth self-defense movements that developed in Brazil out of the ritual dances of Angolan slaves at least as well as the men. The eight percussionists and dancers movingly play the berimbau, a gourd instrument irreplaceable in Capoeira, and the atabaque drums – and animate listeners to dance along with them.