About Roda

What is a roda (hoda)? The Capoeira roda (circle) is the culmination of the Capoeira experience, where all the elements of the art-form are brought together, and where the game itself is played. It is a microcosm of the Capoeira experience, a group ritual in which participants bring their own abilities and understandings (as well as weaknesses and ignorance) to a common space. This common space itself is created by the group in its coming together, wherever that may be.

The Capoeira roda consists of several basic components: the jogadores (players), the bateria (rhythm section), and the singers (often done in call and response form, the singing is shared between the ‘soloist,’ giving the message, and the chorus (coro) who responds in repetition to, or building upon the message of, the soloist). These three elements combine to form the physical and spiritual space for the Capoeira game to occur.

[back]