|
|
|
 |
ABADA - Capoeira San Francisco Performance Troupe
 The
mission of ABADA-Capoeira San Francisco (ACSF) is to preserve, develop,
and share the art of capoeira with integrity, and to use capoeira to
enrich disadvantaged communities and the lives of people from all
backgrounds. Founded in 1991 by master capoeira artist Mestranda Márcia
Treidler, ACSF seeks to inspire and empower people-- especially youth
from disadvantaged backgrounds-- to realize their full potential as
responsible, confident, productive citizens. By consistently seeking
out new creative ways of exploring and sharing the dynamic aspects of
the multi-faceted art of capoeira and related arts, ACSF remains a
pioneering force in the preservation and development of Brazilian
cultural arts.
ACSF offers professional instruction and performance of capoeira at its
Mission based Brazilian Arts Center, and at over 30 sites throughout
the Bay Area. The organization has been conducting interactive capoeira
and maculelê workshops, performances and residency programs in Bay Area
schools and community centers since 1992. The performance ensemble,
based out of the ABADÁ-Capoeira Brazilian Arts Center in San
Francisco’s Mission District, performs at dozens of community events
each year, including San Francisco’s Carnaval and the ABADÁ-Capoeira
“Spirit of Brazil” concert series.
Artistic Director Mestranda Márcia Treidler "Cigarra" is one of the top
11 capoeiristas of the 30,000 international ABADÁ-Capoeira members, and
since 1990, has been the highest ranked woman in ABADÁ-Capoeira— the
largest Capoeira organization in the world. In 1997, she became the 1st
female to be awarded the title of "Mestranda"— a title shared with some
of the world’s top practitioners. Since Capoeira has been a male
dominated form for over three hundred years, her achievements have
cleared the path for other women to excel in Capoeira. She began
studying Capoeira in 1982 under the world-renowned Mestre Camisa, a
student of the legendary Mestre Bimba—a leading figure in the
preservation and development of Capoeira. She began her teaching career
in 1987, working with street children of Rio, and since has taught and
performed throughout Brazil, North America, Mexico, and Europe.
Mestranda Márcia "Cigarra" moved to the Bay Area in 1991 and founded
ABADÁ-Capoeira San Francisco, an organization dedicated to preserving
the traditions and expanding the scope of Capoeira. In 1997 she was
granted permanent residency in the United States after receiving a
National Interest Waiver as an "Alien with Extraordinary Abilities".
That same year she founded the ABADÁ-Capoeira Brazilian Arts Center,
located in San Francisco’s Mission District — the first and only San
Francisco center dedicated to Afro-Brazilian cultural arts. Mestranda
Márcia "Cigarra” maintains international recognition and her extensive
experience and achievements make her an inspiring and positive role
model.
|
|
