The Tisbury School gym was rocking on the morning of April 16, and it wasn’t just because everyone was excited about the upcoming school vacation week.
To the insistent sound of drums and singing, Mandingueiros dos Palmares, the local capoiera troup, was introducing the school population to their discipline. Described as an “Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of dance, martial arts, music and acrobatics into a fluid game between two players,” capoiera is demanding and fun.
It was the last stop for Mandingueiros dos Palmares on a tour of Island schools this year that was sponsored by The Yard. Adult participants practice twice weekly at RISE in Vineyard Haven, where there is also a weekly practice for children. For more information on this compelling form of discipline and exercise, visit the local group’s website, mvcapoeira.com.
