Self-Expression and Identity: Women in Capoeira in Brazil

Abstract

An infusion of dance, martial arts and acrobatics, Capoeira varies in practice from region to region and with each individual capoeirista in Brazil. I will be traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Goiania, and Salvador, in order to research the ways in which female Brazilian capoeiristas express and identity themselves through the Afro-Brazilian art of Capoeira, given that it is a traditionally male-dominated sport. In order to conduct my research I will interview both male and female capoeiristas and observe and participate in Capoeira classes and events.