Freiburg Conference Wrap-up

CM Rogerinho, with M Rogério on the medio, and M Índio on the gunga, and CM Alexandre on the viola.

Lars sends these photos and report from the conference in Freiburg, Germany.

The last weekend of May, the Associação de Capoeira Angola Dobrada hosted its 12th annual Capoeira Angola Encounter in Freiburg (Germany). From Friday through Monday, angoleiras and angoleiros took classes with mestres Rogério, Índio, Russo or contra-mestres Rogério Teber and Alexandre and treinel Lagartixa. Each day concluded with a roda that was also open to the public. The event was relatively small with probably not much more than 60 participants. This fact contributed to the remarkably open and relaxed atmosphere during the entire encontro. Beginners and more experienced students would take the same classes together. In between classes, most of the participants gathered on the lawn outside the gymnasium to chat and share food - or simply to take a nap. The daily rodas sustained a joy and energy which allowed for very nice games to develop regardless of where the players were from or how little experience they had.

On one of the walls inside the gymnasium, mestre Russo of the Roda de Caxias had put up a photo exhibition about his work. Mestre Russo himself could usually be found nearby, happy to answer questions and talk about the individual photographs.

The party Sunday night would last till about 4 a.m.; and it included a live performance by mestre Rogério's reggae band Saveiro Azul.

This encounter also marked the 15th year for the Associação de Capoeira Angola Dobrada, which was founded 1992 in Kassel (Germany). Congratulations and respect for this achievement! And muito obrigado for this wonderful event.

M Russo opens the game with his opponent.

Bateria!

Thanks to Lars for the great report.

If you would like to send a wrap-up and/or photos of a workshop, performance, or event that you have attended, please e-mail it to us and we'll translate and post it.