The Capoeira Institute Southwest mission is to inspire the Tucson and southern Arizona region to build connections and strengthen our communities by engaging in the thrilling Afro-Brazilian art of Capoeira and Brazilian culture. We try to achieve these goals through the following:1) Providing workshops to economically challenged youth. 2) Providing public performances and workshops that are free to all; which include performances at festivals that are attended by thousands. 3) Providing ongoing training to promote cultural links and achieve excellence in mind, body, and spirit. We achieve this by working together with Capoeira Mandinga Tucson to provide ongoing instruction at our studio in Central Tucson and through the University of Arizona Recreation Center. These classes have a tuition fee, however, we offer scholarships for regular classes and summer courses. In addition, we hold a monthly roda and festival events that are free of charge to the public.

PoGo Arts provides classes, workshops, shows in Afro-Brazilian dance, music, and Capoeira at your location or at our academy. We also provide team building workshops for your organization. We do professional, contract photography and rent our studio space for your movement or media art needs.Contact us at info@CapoeiraTucson.com to make fun plans for your next event!

Mestra Luar do Sertao: I began training Capoeira in 1986. I am honored to be one of the few female Capoeira masters in the world. After training 10 years with Mestre Marcelo Pereira, the 3rd Capoeira master in the US, I started Capoeira Mandinga Tucson in 1996. Capoeira is a thrilling Afro-Brazilian martial art form that was started over 450 years ago in response to the oppression of Africans who were brought to Brazil as slaves. Interwoven into Capoeira are elements of dance, song, and percussion, which were originally used to disguise training to fight for freedom by making it appear as a game of dance and music.Capoeira Mandinga Tucson has taught capoeira, Brazilian dance, and music to kids, teens, and adults in the Tucson area since 1996. We challenge students physically, mentally, and musically and teach them to face and conquer new challenges and explore both Capoeira and life as a means of self expression. Our group is part of the fantastic Capoeira Mandinga group started by Mestre Marcelo Pereira in the San Francisco Bay Area over 30 years ago.Learn more about CMT at www.CapoeiraTucson.com