HISTORY

2005 BATIZADO and TROCA DE CORDOES*

In August 2005 during the Month of the Arts in the state of Pernambuco, Canoa Grande held a Batizado and Troca de Cordoes in Igarassu. With international support Canoa Grande succeeded in engaging a Afoxe dance and music group from neighboring Olinda; Mestre Renato officiated the Batizado and the event included the participation of Mestre Mudo, Mestre Charrasco, Mestre Pintoza, Mestre Canarinho, and Professor Peu. Mestre Piraja, one of Pernambuco's oldest and most renowned mestres presided over the festivities. The city of Igarassu donated a space and the use of two buses. The international support secured material, instruments, fees and transportation costs for participating mestres as well as food for everyone. 50 students received cords and prizes. The event as well as the preparations have all been digitally documented.

Through the generous support of Contre Mestra Marisa Cordeiro of Gingarte Capoeira in Chicago, 40 students received their first capoeira pants. About 150 spectators gathered in the small Community Hall, where about 20 local artists were represented in various capacities. The Batizado event included Ciranda dancing, Maractu, Afoxe, HipHop (breaking and rapping) as well as an experimental band using traditional rhythms mixed with rock and blues.

This event gave Canoa Grande valuable exposure to the public and since then class size has doubled.

CAMPEONATO-CHAMPIONSHIP
Winter 2006

In January 2006 Canoa Grande funded a capoeira championship for local children and teenagers. The young capoeiristas competed in solos, duets, and music and were rewarded with medals and certificates. Invited capoeira profesors and instructors acted as judges and coaches while both boys and girls challenged each other in their age categories. The one-day event took place in Igarassu's community center.

OFICINA-WORKSHOP
January 2006

In August 2006 a 2-day workshop with invited capoeiristas was held in Igarassu to share in the knowledge of capoeira, maculele, and instrument making. A documentary evening of Capoeira film footage took place in a community room the city donated for the occasion.

ACADEMIA-BUILDING ACQUISITION
January-June 2007

In January 2007 Canoa Grande acquired property in the Sitio Historico (historic neighborhood) in Igarassu. During the months of February through May 2007, Canoa Grande constructed a one-classroom building, that offers basic overnight sleeping opportunities. Canoa Grande plans to build a more extensive annex to house exchange artists in 2008. The school building provides Canoa Grande with a “home'” and with the opportunity to hold classes and events at any time.

INAUGURATION
June 2007

Official opening of Canoa Grande’s academy with the participation of mestres from Olinda and Recife.

ALMA BOA PROJECT CHICAGO EVENT
June 2008

Release of Jack Newell’s documentary “Andre: Portrait of a Capoeirista” and Sharon Göpfert’s performance of “Mulher: Tasks of Survival” at UIC’s mainstage theatre in Chicago.

BATIZADO
January 2009

Mestre Trator, Mestre Indio, Mestre Andre Santhino, and Mestre Mago participate in Canoa Grande’s batizado and troca de cordoes at the academy in Igarassu.