MACULELÊ

WITH MESTRANDA CIGARRA

What is maculelê? 

Maculelê is a traditional Afro-Brazilian dance played with sticks and machetes.  Maculelê was created by the African slaves in Brazil who worked the sugar cane plantations.  It is believed that during their times of rest between working, they would practice this dance with the machetes which they used for cutting down the sugar cane.  

The basic movements of Maculelê imitate the movement and motion of chopping the sugar cane. Many of the Maculelê songs are song in the language of Yoruba. Yoruba was the native language of many of the African's who were enslaved in Brazil.  The dance is performed in a ritual circle which is called the "roda".  Two players at a time play together in the center of circle, while the other participants keep the rhythm by hitting their sticks or machetes together, and take turns leading song.  The instruments played are the Atabaque, a traditional Brazilian drum which plays the rhythms Congo, Afoxé, and Barra Vento. Also, the Agogo, a cow bell, accompanies the drum.            

In the past many folkloric groups in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil worked to keep this traditional dance alive.  Today, there are no longer any schools of Maculelê.  It has become the practice of Capoeira schools to preserve and pass the traditional Maculelê.  

Open to all levels (at least 12 years or older).

Class will conclude December 16th. Maculelê workshops will be offered seasonally. Please check back.