Mission Statement
Capoeira Social Project (CSP) is an educational non-profit organization that provides martial, performing, visual and linguistic arts programing through the lens of capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art, and movement form. Capoeira Social Project has been established for the purpose of providing instruction to the greater Mid-Atlantic area, with a specific focus on underprivileged youth (ages 7-18, or grades 2-12) of Baltimore City, with affiliates in Belo Horizonte, MG - Brasil. Instruction focuses on the physical aspects of Capoeira and Afro-Brazilian dances: Cocos, Sambas, Maculele, Frevo. There is an innate musical aspect to these art forms and as such, the necessary musical (both vocal and instrumental) accompaniment is also be taught. The historical origins of the arts are also an integral part of the instruction. Through this organization, participants also gain understanding of the historical, philosophical, and lyrical significances of these cultural arts.
Description
With affiliates in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Capoeira Social Project brings the Afro-Brazilian martial art and movement form to school-aged youth in Baltimore, MD and connects schools and events throughout the DMV to the benefits with workshops and open classes.
In our visual arts programs participants learn to paint, stain, and pyrography wood, and basketweaving to create musical instruments. They also learn the art of screen printing to create uniforms, costumes, and fundraising campaigns.
The nature of capoeira/dance/music training provides innumerable benefits for young minds in often-overlooked communities, incorporating elements of physical education, history, music, language, and social cooperation in a single martial art practice.
Instructors emphasize the integrated benefits during lessons, including improvements to physical health in children, cognitive enrichment through second language acquisition, development of motor skills and coordination through musical instruction, cultural engagement and exchange, and continuous reinforcement of various academic concepts.
Through training of these arts, participants gain strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, rhythm, self awareness and self confidence.
Capoeira Social Project is dedicated to a justice-based approach to distribution of community resources and focuses its operations in under-resourced communities in Baltimore, with the long-term goal of improving educational attainment and life course outcomes for members of the communities it serves.
