Capoeira is performed into a circle which is a symbol of Capoeira’s practice. Inside that circle, each participant’ s differences blend together to become a whole. That formation enables the attendants’ direct or indirect interventions. In Capoeira, color of the skin, age, gender or wealth don’t matter. Each individual communicates through music, songs and movements. All are equal and different. To realize a roda, you have to start by someting precise. Berimbau ? It’s at the cross’ feet, where all the instruments must remain. Berimbau plays a main part and is accmpanied by others : Pandeiro, Atabaque, Agogo and Reco-Reco. In both playing music and fighting, Capoeirists use to improvisate and pretend. You can’t be sure about a thing, everything happens at the really moment. Capoeirists must respect the rules. It’s important to control your movements and the playground’s space. For Capoeirists, Roda is a symbol of Earth, where evil and good co-exist. Both these energies are constantly in action in Capoeira, which does create a special atmosphere. Berimbau leads all the way. It’s accompanied bt other instrumens and the songs initiated by players, which gives Capoeira its mystical atmosphere. Music influences the one who’s playing, fighting movements and acrobatics are stimulated. Movements are not chosen randomly, each Capoeirist perfectly knows how to respect his potential.

Capoeira can be compared to a theater play, in which two or three actors are waiting for the moment they say their lines. Capoeira is so, communicative, it’s made of questions and answers : a question with a «Bênção » (a kick of Capoeira) is answered by dodging or counter-attacking with a moement like Meia Lua de Compasso etc…
For those who know that art, there is a synchronization between the participants, both physically and musically. Instruments mark the game’s ryhthm, sometimes slowly sometimes quickly, which influences directly the fighters. Capoiera is a fighting dance and a dancing fight. A conciliation made with fight movements, specific to martial arts. But Capoeira always keep a spectacular outlook. Nowadays, that kind of roda is quite different of other practices. In a roda, you can always improvise. The place and moment do not matter, several participants are enough to start the game. Rodas or meetings of Capoeirists are specific to that art. Capoeira has not been institutionalized yet and doesn’t know social rules. It has a strong potential. Almost everyone still consider it a little as a sport, but street youngsters see it differently now. People discover step by step the originality and efficiency it transmits. It’s unusual to see an encounter of Capoerists who practice the same Capoeira. Taking advantage of been watched, Capoeirists put forward their own technics, learnings and values.

Without animosity nor resentment. Practisers enter regularly the game, showing their competences while respecting everyone’s style. Capoeira’s roda is a space for practice, communication and fun.