Capoeira : dance, fight, play or martial art?

Recently a group of Central African refugees returned home to Bangui, after fleeing the country’s internal conflict, they took the teachings of capoeira with them from a Congolese refugee camp. They have set up a capoeira school in the capital for young people. Through the Brazilian martial art’s principles of peace and unity, they hope to heal some of the deep divisions left by the conflict.
The uniqueness of Capoeira will give your body physical strength, power and flexibility and your mind self-confidence, concentration, courage and creativity.  
Capoeira appears to have been created some 500 years ago in Brazil by Angolan African slaves, although there are few official history records about this. Kept in slavery against their will they started inventing fighting techniques for self-defense. The African slaves used their traditional music, singing and dancing. Capoeira soon became not only for self-defense but for rebellion.
After sometime it became illegal to play Capoeira in Brazil, anyone caught doing it was arrested until a man known as Mestre Bimba convinced the Brazilian authorities that Capoeira had great cultural value. He succeeded in his endeavor and created the Capoeira Regional style which eventually became an official fighting style.
In 1932 he created the first Capoeira School in Salvador-Bahia. What was once considered illegal became an official martial art.
In 1942 the first Capoeira Angola school opened. Capoeira was mainly practiced by poor Brazilians many of whom were descendants from slaves. Eventually Capoeira Mestres began to teach Capoeira as a martial art in the United States and Europe.
Capoeira is nowadays a well-known and very popular martial art around the world. Included in some schools and universities programs it is known that Capoeira has influenced several dancing styles like brake and hip-hop.
As often happens in a case like this, when word gets out friends band together to help all they can to ease the lot for their much loved friend.
A group of wonderful, kind islanders has banded together to pull a musical evening together for Nacio Richardson who is in great need of assistance for his medical care.
Nacio is someone who has ALWAYS been there to play and entertain for the cause of others now it's time for payback!
There will be an amazing evening of music to help Nacio continue his battle for his life. Musical director, Ronnie Santana, with the help from his friends Franklin Arrindell and Fred York are bringing together some of the greatest musicians on island to show support for the gentle, talented Nacia.
Join this event at The Red Piano where all proceeds will all be donated to Nacio for medical assistance.
Sunday July 30th from 7:00pm.
Donation/entry $5; silent auction with 5 large gift prizes; 50/50 raffle; Food sales; “How’s the Chirren” shirts for sale.