Very good question!!

* Shoes: As an urban art form, Capoeira Angola is played while wearing shoes. In our space we ask that students bring shoes that are not used outside. Outside shoes bring dirt and negative energy to our training space. Be sure your shoes are comfortable, clean indoor sneakers. Obviously our "Sunday in the Park" outdoor class provides some leeway on shoes and we actually advise maybe don't bring your very best shoes as training on the asphalt can really wear on shoes.

* Pants: Wear comfortable pants that will not restrict your movement. Pants should be full length and tie tight to the waist with a belt or draw string.

* Shirt: Bring a short sleeve shirt that can be tucked into your pants. Please be sure the shirt has sleeves (no tank tops).

-Bring water to drink. We highly recommend hydrating well during the day prior to class and stopping at least 30 minutes before and avoiding drinking much if any during movement as the strenuous movements with inversion can be a bad combo with a belly full of water.

* We are currently holding classes every Wednesday from 6-8pm at Burton Street Community Center in West Asheville, NC.

* If you have not been to one of our classes we ask that you plan on joining us first for an introductory class held on the first Wednesday of each month. This allows our continuing students to progress on other Wednesdays without starting at the beginning at each class. Once you have attended an intro class you are welcome to participate in any of our classes.

* Drop in rate per class is $12.

* Monthly rate for Burton Street classes only is $40. (usually 4 classes)

-Monthly registration fee is due by the first of the month.

-Please bring cash, correct change is very helpful.

Burton Street Residents (within a reasonable walking distance from the center), Receive up to 50% discount on Burton Street classes if you are in need of financial assistance to participate.

Family rate is available and evaluated per situation (number and age of participants).

Family participation is valued and encouraged. Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult.

* Movement: In capoeira class you will learn to move your body in new ways. Some of the positions are upside down, some are sideways, and many are low to the ground. Capoeira teaches you body control, balance and agility. It teaches you body awareness and how to be aware of others. The movements require patience and focus. Every gender, body type and age of person can learn the movements!

* Music: Music is an integral part of Capoeira Angola. You will be provided with a musical instrument in classes and taught to play it, you may even get to learn a song and sing in Portuguese! Most people who come to take classes are NOT musicians, but with time everyone can learn to play music and sing a few songs.

* Lectures: History, Culture and Philosophy of capoeira are taught during our classes. Students learn Portuguese words, important figures in Capoeira Angola, and popular stories that accompany Capoeira Angola. We have a small library and encourage all of our students to supplement our class with their own research.

Capoeira classes offer students a fun, hands-on way to:

stay in good physical shape - Capoeira Classes offer students challenging movements that increase the body’s strength, flexibility and agility. Capoeira students experience muscle growth, better body awareness, and balance. As students are encouraged to work at their own pace, all body-types and ages are able to perform the movements in capoeira class.

learn self defense - Capoeira was developed by slaved and used to enable their escape from slave masters, evade police and even in the Brazilian War of Paraguay. The kicks, head butts, and strikes learned in capoeira class can similarly be used as a means of self defense. More importantly, the confidence and playfulness learned through the art of capoeira Angola gives students the ability to avoid any physical contact with an opponent.

play music and sing - Students learn traditional songs that accompany the art of Capoeira Angola. They learn to play all instruments of the bateria (Berimbau, pondeiro, agogo, reco-reco and atabaque) and the traditional lyrics of these songs.

experience another culture - in addition to the physical movements and music, students learn aspects of Brazilian/capoeira culture. The unique environment of our studio allows students to be fully immersed in capoeira culture, from the photographs and documents that decorate the walls to our cultural library. Many of our students have researched and studied in Brazil and offer valuable insight to this setting as well.