If you’ve ever wandered through Decatur Square and heard the pulse of drums spilling from the Core Dance studio, you weren’t overhearing a band rehearsal or drum circle. That sound belongs to Maculelê Capoeira, Atlanta’s first and longest-running capoeira school.
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art which incorporates music, dance, and acrobatics to create a unique performative fighting style which has influenced modern break dancing. “Capoeira is so many things,” says program director and instructor Dani Da Silva. “It’s a Brazilian martial art, but it’s more than fighting. It’s culture, history, and community coming together through an art form. It teaches you about your body and spirit.”
Started by Dani’s father, Francisco Antônio Rodrigues Da Silva, better known as Mestre Fran, Maculelê has welcomed students of all ages to their studio to share their love for this unique art form since 1991. The family’s passion surrounding the tradition is infectious. “Capoeira can transform your life,” says Mestre Fran in his native Portuguese. “You learn discipline and confidence, you make friends and take part in community, you stay healthy, balance stress, and leave happier. I’ve been doing it for 50 years and it still excites me every day.”
Watching the martial art performed is a sight to behold. As Mestre Fran plays a tall, bongo-style drum called an atabaque, instructors Tito Santos and Dan Vizibelli flow across the floor of the studio, elegantly moving around each other with fluid kicks and hand stands, but never “fighting” in the traditional sense. It’s an interaction rarely seen in other sports.
“Capoeira has a beautiful energy,” says Da Silva. “It teaches you about yourself. That’s why we encourage kids to come try. They learn about how their bodies move, interact, and most of the time, learn a bit of Portuguese."
A Tradition For All
Maculelê’s true purpose is to share the art of Capoeira with the community. They even operate a non-profit based in Brazil focused on education and access to the tradition for all which offers many students the opportunity to travel the world. “It’s not just one thing or for one kind of person,” Da Silva reflects. “Capoeira brings communities together.”
Classes are offered throughout the week in both Downtown Decatur and Alpharetta for students of all ages and skill levels. Mestre Fran and his team welcome all with genuine kindness and passion for the art and encourage all to enjoy the Capoeira tradition. As he simply says, “It will change your life.”