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Rochester Capoeira
Afro-Diasporic Art of Self Defense, Dance and Resistance
Rochester Capoeira
Afro-Diasporic Art of Self Defense, Dance and Resistance
About Capoeira
Capoeira is a dynamic art form created by Africans and Indigenous peoples enslaved in Brazil, blending elements of martial arts, dance, music, and culture. It was born as a form of self-defense disguised as dance and is played as a game between two practitioners (capoeiristas) inside a roda (circle) of players, spectators, and a bateria (ensemble) of musicians.
Emerging in the mid-1500s during the transatlantic slave trade, capoeira served as a means of resistance, survival, and cultural expression under oppressive conditions. To avoid detection by enslavers, capoeira was camouflaged as a harmless dance accompanied by music. After the abolition of slavery in 1888, it persisted in marginalized communities despite being outlawed and persecuted. Capoeira was finally legalized in the 1930s and has since flourished, becoming a celebrated art form practiced worldwide.
About Our Classes
Capoeira classes are a unique and dynamic experience that blend movement, music, and Afro-Brazilian culture. Whether you're a seasoned mover or new to physical activity, capoeira is for everyone—no prior strength or flexibility is required, just a willingness to learn and have fun!
Through capoeira, you’ll develop skills like coordination, balance, rhythm, agility, reflexes, and endurance—all while building strength and flexibility. But capoeira offers more than physical benefits: it’s a practice that strengthens the mind, uplifts the spirit, and fosters a sense of community.
Class Schedule
All Levels Class
- When: Mondays & Thursdays, 6:15–7:45 PM
- Where: South Wedge Mission, 125 Caroline St, Rochester, NY 14620
Message us directly to sign up or learn more!
What to Bring
- Clothing: Wear long pants (no shorts, please!) and a t-shirt that allow you to move comfortably.
- Footwear: Indoors, we train barefoot. For outdoor practice, smooth-soled shoes are recommended.
- Hydration: Bring a water bottle to stay refreshed.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our community and help you discover the joy of capoeira!
Our Teachers
INSTRUTOR ESTAGIÁRIA FÊNIX:
Instrutor Estagiária Fênix (Taryn Mullen) is the lead instructor at Rochester Capoeira. She has been studying capoeira since 2009, and received her Estagiária (yellow) cord in 2018. As a teacher she places emphasis on the importance of having a well-rounded practice based on the music, movement and history of the art form.
INSTRUTOR ESPIÃO:
Instrutor Espião (Greg Hollar) is a capoeira instructor at Rochester Capoeira and has been training for over 20 years, with several different teachers, and holds a blue-yellow cord.
Our Philosophy
At Rochester Capoeira, we strive to honor the roots and traditions of Capoeira Angola while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Our approach emphasizes the following principles:
- Longevity and Lifelong Practice: Capoeira is a practice that can evolve with you, promoting health and vitality at every stage of life.
- Foundational Movement Mastery: We focus on developing proficiency in the essential movements of capoeira, prioritizing intelligence over force.
- Cooperation Over Competition: Capoeira is about connection and collaboration, creating a space where players uplift one another.
- Safety and Control: Proper technique and controlled movements are central, ensuring capoeira is safe and respectful for everyone.
- Respect for Tradition: We honor the wisdom of the elder masters who have preserved and enriched capoeira for generations.
- Accessibility: Capoeira is for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
- Community Building: Our roda is a space for celebrating freedom, diversity, and shared growth, fostering a supportive and inclusive community.
Join us in discovering the beauty, strength, and resilience of capoeira as we build connections and celebrate its rich cultural heritage.
2026 Annual Capoeira Encounter
Join us in Rochester for a weekend of capoeira, community, and connection at our 2026 Encontro. From June 5–7, we’ll gather with guest teachers and friends from near and far to train, play, and deepen our understanding of this rich Afro-Brazilian art form.
All levels are welcome. Whether you’re new to capoeira or have been training for years, this event is an opportunity to move, learn, and build community together. Register now to reserve your spot.
Guest Teachers
Contramestre Giratorio - Unaffiliated; Outer Banks, NC
Started capoeira in 2001 in Ithaca, NY. Has had the pleasure of running groups, teaching classes and workshops throughout the east coast. Graduated to Contramestre in 2022.
Professor Cavaleiro - Capoeira Angola Palmares; Middlesex, VT
Leader of Quilombo de Monte Verde, a Vermont affiliate of Capoeira Angola Palmares. Born in Spain, he trained martial arts in his youth leading him to capoeira 20+ years ago, inspired by the history, the culture, music and freedom of movement. Former teacher at Brooklyn Boulders BKB and the NY Mindful Capoeira Center, he is now sharing his passion for this art form of resistance with the Central Vermont community. His teaching style is organic and progressive, building a vocabulary of movements and a musical repertoire that will later be used in the “Roda”. Chat with Prof. Cavaleiro if you want to practice your Spanish or about crafting Berimbaus!
Professor Jesus - Capoeira Angola Palmares; San Francisco, CA
Eamon Kircher-Allen, known in the capoeira world as “Jesus,”runs the San Francisco Capoeira Academy, where he teaches Capoeira Angola in an inclusive environment to students of all ages. His capoeira journey formally began in 2007 in New York, though he had been fascinated by the art since childhood. In 2022, he graduated to the level of professor (blue cord) in a ceremony in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. He is committed to practicing and teaching the fundamentals of Capoeira Angola as taught by Grão Mestre Nô.
Professor Macabé - Capoeira Angola Palmares; New York, NY
Prof. Macabé has been playing and studying capoeira for 15+ years, having trained with Capoeira Angola Quintal for many years, and now training with Capoeira Angola Palmares under the guidance of Mestre Nô and Mestre Nozinho. He has traveled to Salvador, Bahia, to learn from many teachers and experience the art form in its home.
Schedule
Friday – June 5
6:00–10:00 PM | South Wedge Mission (125 Caroline St., Rochester, NY 14620)
Opening night featuring workshops, roda, and community gathering to kick off the weekend.
Saturday – June 6
1:30–10:00 PM | South Wedge Mission (125 Caroline St., Rochester, NY 14620)
Full day of workshops, rodas, music, and special performances, followed by an evening social/party.
Sunday – June 7
11:00 AM–5:00 PM+ | 122 Kansas St., Rochester NY 14609
Relaxed final day with music workshop, roda, community BBQ/potluck, and closing celebrations.
More detailed schedule and workshop information coming soon!