Roda 1/3 - Capoeira Bolivia - Cordao de Ouro
This is what a typical capoeira roda looks like. I taped this with the Bolivian capoeira team "Cordao de Ouro". They were actually called Pequenos Mandingueiros back then. I split this video in 3 sections; 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3. Btw, I taped most my
capoeira instructions with these guys. You can find technique by technique video instructions at capoeira videos main, and for more detailed instructions, click here.
Execution
- The roda is the heart of capoeira. You basically form a circle (shoulder to shoulder) and sing and play instruments while taking turns fighting in the middle. At the head of the roda you have the bateria, capoeiristas paying instruments. The berimbau is always the lead instrument. Everything else follows the berimbau.
- When the first chorus is over, two capoeiristas enter the roda. The roda is often entered with a cartwheel or a flip. But you always have to show respects to the berimbau before you enter. After a while a new capoeirista enters, and the player who has been in the roda longer, leaves.
- Take turns fighting in the middle until the berimbau signals the end of the roda
Advice
- It doesn't matter if you just know the ginga and one kick, everybody should be in the middle at least once.
- Some capoeira groups use shoes, but most don't.
- The roda is usually begun with the instruments starting in the order of their hierarchy. The berimbau is always the first instrument (often played by the group leader). Then the Atabaque, the Pandeiro, the Agogo and finally the other capoeiristas start singing.
Performance
Suggestions
