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Capoeira
Capoeira is a unique Afro-Brazilian art form that infuses dance, music, gymnastics, self-defense and the Portuguese language. Those that practice this art form, known as Capoeiristas appear to defy gravity as they jump, flip, spin and cartwheel through the air. Capoeira, for these artists, embodies a discipline and mindset and gives rhythm to their lives.
Capoeira was born out of the struggle for freedom. African slaves brought it to Brazil in the 16th century and cleverly disguised this powerful form of self-defense as a harmless dance. To hide their fighting spirit from their masters, the earliest Capoeiristas combined playful, graceful dance and acrobatic movements with dangerous kicks. While training, they avoided injuries by keeping direct physical contact to a minimum. Songs, percussion instruments and clapping completed the ritual. For the master, Capoeira was merely entertainment; for the slave, it was a fight for liberation.
Capoeira as a martial art is clever and deceptive. Often appearing vulnerable, the good Capoeirista knows the right time to strike back with lethal power and grace. Musically, Capoeira is enchanting: beautiful melodies, pulsating rhythms, powerful chorus responding to the lead singer create an intensely charged atmosphere perfect for the game of Capoeira.
Mestre Jeromin
Jeromino Siqueira Da Silva began his capoeira training in 1991 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil under the supervision of Mestre Fumaca.
In 1996, he moved to New York City and resumed training with Mestre Lincoln (Capoeira Angola Palmares). By the year 2000, Jeronimo joined Mestre Doutor (ASCAB Associacao Santista de Capoeira Areia Branca) and in 2008 received the rank of Contra-Mestre.
Jeromin has taught workshops around the country and performed in countless Capoeira shows and educational demonstrations. He held regular classes at Columbia University in New York City from 2001 to 2004, when he moved to San Diego. There, he ran the after school program at Lincoln High School and King Chavez Preparatory Academy until 2008, when he relocated to Philadelphia. He taught classes at Project Capoeira, a non-profit organization and at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) until 2011, when he moved to New York City. He currently teaches kids (ages 5-13) and adults at Arrow Community Center and Broadway Dance Studio in Astoria, Queens.
Jeromin received the rank of Mestre in 2017 from Mestre Doutor in Philadelphia.
As a Mestre, Jeromin seeks to create an environment that promotes self-expression and inspires students to reach their full potential while preserving and promoting the rich culture of his country.
