Saturday, October 18, 2025
Join us for an immersive cultural experience exploring capoeira angola — the Afro-Brazilian art form that blends music, dance, game, martial arts and Afro-Diasporic memories. This dynamic event is organized by Prof. Mauricio Acuña (Spanish and Portuguese) and led by Mestre Deraldo and the Brazilian Cultural Center of New England.
Why "The Green Upside Down"?
Capoeira turns the body upside down — symbolizing art, resistance, resilience, and freedom. The color green evokes both Dartmouth and the landscapes of Brazil. This event invites us to flip perspectives and engage with Afro-Brazilian cultures through embodied learning, performance, and dialogue.
Open to all Dartmouth students and faculty, the event includes a participatory workshop, a live roda (circle), conversation, and a Brazilian food reception. Registration is required for the workshop. Please register here.
Date: Saturday, October 18
Location: Occom Commons, 9 Maynard St Goldstein Hall, Hanover, NH 03755
Schedule:
- 2:00–3:00 PM – Capoeira Angola Workshop – Registration required. Please register here.
Learn basic movements, music, and philosophy with Mestre Deraldo and his group. No experience necessary! - 3:15–3:30 PM – Opening Remarks by Assistant Professor Mauricio Acuña (Spanish & Portuguese)
- 3:30–4:00 PM – Capoeira Angola Performance
Live demonstration of the art and energy of capoeira by the Brazilian Cultural Center of New England. - 4:00–4:30 PM – Conversation: Capoeira and Afro-Brazilian Global Cultures
Discuss the roots, meanings, and global reach of capoeira with Mestre Deraldo and Assistant Professor Mauricio Acuña. - 4:45–6:00 PM – Reception
Enjoy Brazilian cuisine, Samba songs and informal conversation.
Move. Witness. Reflect. Celebrate.
This event is free and open to the Dartmouth community. Come with curiosity and energy!
Please register for the workshop here.
Supported by the Leslie Center for the Humanities (Venn Vision Grant).
Led by Professors Mauricio Acuña (Spanish and Portuguese), Reighan Gillam (LALACS), and Gerd Gemünden (German and Film & Media)
In collaboration with:
The Brazilian Cultural Center of New England
Mestre Deraldo Ferreira is the Founder and Artistic Director of The Brazilian Cultural Center of New England, one of three Brazilian Cultural Points in the U.S., designated by then Brazilian Minister of Culture, Gilberto Gil. A Mestre of Capoeira Angola with nearly 50 years of experience, he introduced Capoeira and Afro-Brazilian Samba to North America in 1986. Trained under renowned Mestres João Pequeno and João Grande, he founded Capoeira schools in Brazil, Canada, and Italy. Mestre Deraldo has taught at top universities and performed worldwide, including Boston Symphony Hall and Sydney Opera House. He also founded the Samba Tremeterra troupe and has released several influential Capoeira and Samba CDs.