Grupo Axé Capoeira

Last Updated on Monday, 28 June 2010 07:25 Written by Chris Marzonie Monday, 28 June 2010 07:25

Prescott, Arizona was recently treated to the 12th annual Tsunami on the Square performing arts and cultural festival and I took the camera along to capture some of the performers. One of my all-time favorites is Grupo Axé Capoeira (pronounced ah-shay kapu-where-ah with a slight roll of the tongue on the “r” sound). Capoeira is a spectacular visual display of what the human body is capable of with lots, and lots, and lots of practice. Of course, it’s not just the body; the mind plays a big role where discipline and fine control are concerned. When I think about the 400-plus-year-old history of this Afro-Brazilian art, I imagine its predecessors pouring their hearts and souls into an expression of themselves that has transcended time.

Axé Capoeira Arizona

Capoeira dancers in Brazilian colors

Capoeira combines elements of martial arts, dance, and music in a teamwork-driven atmosphere to create a high-energy performance that is certain to get your feet moving and expose the whites of your eyes.

Even though you might miss something for it, remember to blink.

Watching the ground

Flying kick

Hold tight

Discipline

Upside down frown. . . or not?

Pointing

Baskets and blue

Drums!

Thank you, Axé Capoeira Arizona, for another spectacular performance.