Mandinga
Contact Name(s): Juliet Line
14a Tennyson Street
Radford
Nottingham
NG7 4FU
Telephone: 07903 114248
Email:
Keywords
Afro, Brazilian, Brazil, art, arts, courses, workshops, community, forms, African, diaspora, Portuguese, Portugal, martial, dance, capoeira, Angola, jewellery, making, cuisine, international, activiities, activity, client, group, groups, partner, partnerships, acrobatics, game, play, tribal, culture, cultural, movement, tradition, history, benefits, flexibility, roots, contemporary, women, kids, children, young
Description
Previously operating as Nottingham Afro Brazilian Arts, we offer courses and workshops in a range of community art forms, with a particular focus on the African diaspora and the Portuguese speaking world. The main focus of our activities is the martial art/dance form of capoeira Angola, however we also specialise in African Brazilian dance, Angolan jewellery making and international cuisine amongst other activities.
Having recently become established as a Community Interest Company, we are currently extending and developing the activities offered along with the range of client groups and partner agencies we work with. We can offer bespoke courses and workshops in each of the above listed activities according to the client’s specific requirements.
Capoeira is a cultural art form: a dynamic fusion of music, dance, acrobatics, game play and martial arts. Its roots are in African tribal culture but it was first developed on the plantations of Brazil as a form of cultural resistance and as a literal tool for liberation. Today capoeira enjoys worldwide recognition and popularity. Students train the movements, rhythms and songs which make up the performance of a roda (circle). Angola is a form of capoeira that strives to preserve the African roots of the art: the rich musical tradition, the unity of music and movement, the playful nature of the game, respect for ritual and knowledge of its history.
Capoeira has many benefits, both for the individual and the community. It improves flexibility, strength, concentration and motor coordination. Through attending sessions you will also learn more about Brazilian and African culture, sing (in Portuguese!), play a range of different musical instruments and get to know plenty of new people. We welcome beginners of all ages and fitness levels.
Our teacher Marcelo Pesanha is a highly accomplished Brazilian practitioner of capoeira; he has been studying the art for 15 years and teaching our group in Nottingham for 3 and a half years. His father, Master Cobra Mansa, is one of the most respected capoeira players in the world and, along with a number of other prominent masters, pays regular visits the group to give workshops.
We are currently running extremely popular African Brazilian dance classes, taught by the acclaimed East Midlands based dancer, Cidinha Fursan. The classes are mainly based on dance styles relating to Cidinha’s Brazilian roots, but her teaching also draws on her extensive experience as a contemporary dancer. Sessions are open to all women.
Sessions at Unity School, Forest Road:
Mondays 5:30 - 7:00 Afro Brazilian dance (for women)
7:00 - 9:00 Capoeira
Tuesdays 5:30 - 6:30 Kids capoeira (for 5-11 year olds)
(Capoeira classes for young people are also being held at the Lenton Centre on Monday evenings.)
Working in the Partnership Council area (Area 4)
We work city wide, regionally or nationally
The main focus of our activities is Radford, but we also work in other areas of the city.