Capoeira Senzala - BROOKLYN NY

Studio Maya is located at 603 Bergen St (@ Carlton Ave) in Brooklyn NY and is a short walk from the Atlantic Ave-Barclay Center (subway: 2,3,4,5,B,D,N,Q,R). Join us every Saturday afternoon from 1:30p. All levels are welcome. That includes ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS!! Come get a great workout, learn to play an instrument, make new friends, and immerse yourself in a new culture. See you in class!

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that dates back hundreds of years. It is neither a fight, nor a dance but rather it is both of these things and much more. Capoeira is a dialog through movement which can take on an endless number of shades of meaning. Capoeira stands out from other artforms in the way that it integrates elements of self-defense, acrobatics, rhythm, and music. The details of this form’s origins and early history are still a matter of debate, however it is clear that enslaved Africans played a crucial role in its development. Some historians claim that slaves used Capoeira's dance-like appearance as a way to hide their training of combat and self-defense.

Instrutor Lancha began training with Mestre Zumbi 10 years ago while a student at Princeton University. He travels extensively and has had the opportunity to exchange with many different groups and masters from around the world. He has attended countless workshops, seminars, and classes throughout Brazil, Europe, Asia, and the United States, and is an active member of the capoeira community in New York City.

Mestre Zumbi began training Capoeira at the age of nine in his native home of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He has participated in countless workshops, performances and exhibitions the world over. His journey brought him to the United States in 2000 where he has since taught in numerous schools and universities throughout New York and New Jersey. In 2002 Zumbi became the official Capoeira instructor at Princeton University, founding a program that has been met with a great deal of enthusiasm within the university community. Since that time he has continued his work in the states, founding programs in both Manhattan and Newark.

Community outreach and classes for children have long been an emphasis of Zumbi's work both in Brazil and now in the US. Working with local YMCA's, community centers and art coalitions he has worked to bring Capoeira to the local youth as a means for both mental and physical development as well as providing connections with African and Brazilian cultural heritage. With the help of local governments and community nonprofits, Zumbi will continue to expand the social mission of the group in the coming years.

What can I expect? Classes begin with stretching and warmup followed by instruction in capoeira sequences and technique. Classes often end with a capoeira circle or roda where the participants will play capoeira games and learn the music of capoeira. Classes typically run an hour. Please arrive ten to fifteen minutes before class to give yourself time to change and get settled.

Feel free to stop by any class! Beginners always welcome! All of our classes are open to all levels of students.

First class? For your first class just wear clothing that you feel comfortable moving in. Try to arrive early to talk with instructor before the class as well. A white tshirt and white pants are encouraged, but not required. Many students choose to train barefoot, but if your feet are new to capoeira it may be a good idea to bring some sneakers. Most class locations require white soled shoes to prevent marking the floors. Make sure you show up a little early and give yourself plenty of time to warm up and stretch. See you in the roda!

How much do classes cost? Classes are $15 for adults, $10 for students. We accept cash and all major credit cards!

Do you offer any specials? Yes! When you buy your first class, you get the second class for FREE! (this offer is for new students in capoeira)

Contact us if you have any further questions!

~*~ Welcome! We are Capoeira Senzala in New York and New Jersey, USA. Our group is headed by Mestre Zumbi and we are currently based in Princeton, NJ, Newark, NJ, and New York City. We offer capoeira classes, performances and workshops throughout the area year-round. We are part of Centro Cultural Senzala de Capoeira, established in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Feel free to explore our site, and please contact us if you would like more information. ~*~

Email: lanchasenzala@gmail.com
Website: www.zumbisenzala.org
Location: 603 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY, United States
Phone: 917-353-6074
Facebook: facebook.com/zumbisenzalanyc
Twitter: @ZumbiSenzalaNYC