Capoeira Angola
Cultural Exchange with Oberlin College
In August of 2003, 10 American students from Oberlin College visited Salvador and spent two weeks immersing themselves in the art of Capoeira Angola under the tutelage of Mestre Renê and ACANNE. The group was composed of women and men, representing different races, nationalities, hisories and experiences. For two weeks the students trained every day (sometimes twice a day), studied the music of Capoeira Angola, learned to play the instruments, increased their awareness of Afro-Brazilian culture as well as visited historical points in Salvador and Cachoeira . In other words, living Capoeira Angola at its source. Below are some thoughts that were shared with the ACANNE family by some of the students. ACANNE would like to thank each student as well as the coordinators, Chicago and Adenike, for their patience, dedication, openness, respect, humility, unlimited energy and friendship. The experience was memorable and we are greatful for the lessons that were learned and look positvely towards the future, as we all continue to grow together. Axé.
"From the first class with Mestre Renê, I realized immmediately what capoeira was not! Over the past two weeks, I've learned through Mestre Renê and the teachings of Paulo Dos Anjos, that capoeira is a rich culture, a belief and a way of living that is not be played with. I greatly appreciated taking classes with Mestre Renê and ACANNE because not only did he introduce me to the world of capoeira, but he also helped me feel more connected to the art form. Instead o presenting it as a Brazilian art Mestre Rene focused on the beginnings in Africa and the struggle it came from. As a Black woman, Mestre Renê showed me my place in capoeira and for that I am grateful."
"I was struck by the amount of intention Mestre Renê puts behind every action—he is a true affirmation of art as life. I valued the advice and history that he offered as much as the presentation of the actual songs and movements. Mestre lives capoeira and obviously takes great joy and pride in sharing that life with others. I feel that his example will help capoeira positively effect all aspects of my life."
"I met Mestre Renê in December of 2001 at his academy in Fazenda Grande. It was Friday night and the group was having a roda. When I walked in I felt the energy of the space as well as the energy of Mestre Renê. I could tell that Mestre Rene was involved in important work on two levels: First of all he was obviously a servant of his community. His work with the children in his neighborhood is obviously his main reason for being. This work in the community imbues all of Mestre Renê's words, philosophy, movements and music with a life and death seriousness; At once keeping his capoeira Angola roots to the core, and elevating them to a beautiful artistic affirmation of life itself. Secondly and less obvious at first, Mestre Renê has committed himself to maintaining and spreading the traditions of Mestre Paulo dos Anjos. As a descendent of the Mestre Pastinha linheage of Capoeira Angola, I find this aspect of Mestre Renê's work especially meaningful. As a student of João Grande, I have learned to play a gentleman's game of Capoeira Angola. Mestre Renê, coming from Paulo dos Anjos, plays and teaches a warrior's game. From his mandinga to his music, the energy that Mestre Renê transmits to his students inclass or visitors to his rodas is that of a warrior. Playing with Mestre and his students has helped me to understand my own style in a way that I had not understood before.
As I continue to grow in Capoeira Angola, I expect Mestre Renê to continue to be a part of that growth. I look forward to years of leanring from him and consider him one of the most important and talented mestres of Capoiera Angola in the world."
"Renê works as passionatly with women and children as he does men. This is apparent in his two schools which are composed of a large children's class and adult class that are composed 50% of women. He is very passionate about the art of Capoeira Angola. Renê lectures articulately about the African history of Capoeira as well as teaches the art. He lives and breathes Capoeira Angola."
"Mestre Renê has helped broaden my mind about Capoeira Angola."