The art of balance: Capoeira in a globalised world. Book Review of "Capoeira, mobility, and tourism: preserving an Afro-Brazilian tradition in a globalized world" by Sergio Gonzalez Varela. Lanham, MD, USA, Lexington Books, 2019. ISBN: 978-1-4985-7032-9

Tolkach, Denis

Abstract

[Extract] The book discusses changes to capoeira traditions, ethos and practice under the influence of global mobilities. Capoeira is a representation of Afro-Brazilian culture with a long andcomplicated history, much of it covered in myths. Capoeira involves spirituality, music, singing, but it is also a physical activity, a rhythmic martial art. Its historic roots and itsmythology are intertwined with the history of slavery, racism, oppression and inequality. There are three styles of capoeira: Angola, Regional and Contemporanea (from Portuguese 'contemporary'). Capoeira Regional and Contemporanea focus more on the competitiveand sport aspects of capoeira, while Angola is more concerned with preservation of thetraditions and links to the Afro-Brazilian history and culture. All styles are played (capoeirais not a dance or a fight, it is a game that is played) in a roda (from Portuguese 'circle'),with bateria (from Portuguese 'band') setting the rhythm, and the songs in Portuguese aretypically about the history of slavery in Brazil, the Afro-Brazilian culture or capoeira itself.

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Tourism Geographies

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1470-1340

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5-6

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Taylor & Francis

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