A group exercise class that combines martial arts, music and dance held its first class on Tuesday night at the Siegel Center. Capoeira is its name and it originated in Brazil during the 16th century. Now, patrons can participate in the class every Tuesday and Thursday, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm at the Siegel Center during session one of group exercise classes.
The class is taught by Mestre Panao, a student of capoeira for 26 years. Panao said he started learning capoeira at the age of 12 in Brazil, where it’s considered the number two sport of the nation, second only to soccer.
“Everybody there has access to capoeira,” Panao said.
Panao said he wanted to give the same access to people in Richmond, which is why he leaped at the opportunity to teach his art at the Siegel Center.
Alex Valerio, an 18-year-old biology major and first time taker of the class, said he was planning on attending every class in the future.
“It was really fun,” Valerio said.
Valerio said he liked how the music blended in with the martial arts.
Matt Daniel, a 19-year-old business major, is one of Panao’s assistants during the class and has practiced capoeira for a little over four years. Daniel said that there can be “no capoeira without music” and that it sets the tempo of the martial art.
Daniel has four years of experience under his belt, but he said when starting out he could barely do a cartwheel. With enough practice, he said, anyone can become familiar with capoeira.
“If you practice enough you can do whatever you want to,” Daniel said.
Erin Opseth, a 22-year-old public relations major who was also taking the class for the first time, said it was a great workout and some
thing that would be great to learn.
“I’m definitely tired,” Opseth said.
For a chance to hear some music played when practicing Capoeira and an interview with Mestre Panao, follow the link below and play the story titled "Capoeira" on the right side of the webpage.
http://www.ideastations.org/radio/
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