Capoeira Connections: A Memoir in Motion

Capoeira Connections is an ethnographic memoir that explores the history, practice, and personal insights of capoeira, a marginalized practice that has become globally popular. It follows the journey of author Katya Wesolowskis from novice to instructor, drawing on her decades of research as an anthropologist in Brazil, Angola, Europe, and the United States. The book offers an intimate portrait of the game and its meaning in people's lives, revealing camaraderie, conviviality, tensions, and ruptures involving race, gender, and competing claims over how it should be practiced. Capoeira offers opportunities for connection, dialogue, and collaboration in a world that is increasingly fractured, transforming lives, creating social spheres, and shaping mobile futures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 17 January 2023
Publisher: University Press of Florida

A captivating exploration of the world of capoeira, a captivating fusion of dance and martial art that has transcended borders and gained global popularity. This ethnographic memoir delves into the history, recent transformations, and personal experiences of author Katya Wesolowskis, a capoeirista for thirty years. Capoeira Connections follows Wesolowskis journey from novice to instructor, drawing on her extensive research as an anthropologist in Brazil, Angola, Europe, and the United States. Through a narrative that weaves together local practice and global flow, Wesolowski offers an intimate portrayal of capoeira and its profound impact on the lives of its practitioners. She explores the camaraderie and conviviality within the capoeira ring, as well as the tensions and ruptures that arise from issues such as race, gender, and competing claims over the proper practice of this artful play.

Capoeira, Wesolowski argues, brings people together while simultaneously carrying the legacies of struggle. These histories manifest in the games encounters, shaping the dynamics and relationships within the capoeira community. In her insightful analysis, Wesolowski highlights capoeiras potential for connection, dialogue, and collaboration in a world that is increasingly fragmented. She believes that capoeira can transform lives, create social spheres, and shape mobile futures.

The publication of this work was made possible through a Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan grant from the National Endowment. Capoeira Connections serves as a testament to the power of cultural expression and the enduring relevance of traditional practices in a rapidly changing world. It is a valuable contribution to the field of anthropology and a testament to the resilience and adaptability of human communities.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781683403203