Cultural Capoeira Resource Package - Sally Kingdon-Barbosa
Sally Kingdon-Barbosa applied in the professional development category (category C, develop) of the September round of Catalyst, 2006. This category allows provides funding for community artists and cultural development workers to research or develop in areas that will benefit community and the arts industry in the long term.
Sally undertook research and development to create a Capoeira Cultural Resource package, containing student worksheets and teachers notes to assist in an oral Capoeira program being delivered in primary schools. Sally's main goal to achieve in professional development was to extend her own potential, develop research skills and computer skills, increase her knowledge about Capoeira, document and present the written information in a vibrant way which added value to the oral delivery of Capoeira.
Capoiera is an Afro-Brazilian artform, created from a ritual of movements from martial arts, games and dance.
Participants form a roda, or circle, and take turns either playing musical instruments (such as the Berimbau), singing, or ritually sparring in pairs in the center of the circle. The game is marked by fluid acrobatic play, feints, and extensive use of sweeps, kicks, and headbutts. Less frequently used techniques include elbow strikes, slaps, punches, and body throws. Its origins and purpose are a matter of debate, with the spectrum of argument ranging from views of Capoeira as a uniquely Brazilian folk dance with improvised fighting movements to claims that it is a battle-ready fighting form directly descended from ancient African techniques. (Wikipedia: Capoeira; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capoeira, accessed: 6 April 2009)
The professional development involved researching the artform and interviewing teachers and Capoeira Masters. A CD was developed in conjunction with a folder containing the resources. The Resource pack adds compliments and adds value to the oral Capoiera program and workshops that are delivered in the schools.