Capoeira at the Gantt: An African-Brazilian Martial Art Disguised as Dance

NC Brazilian Arts Project (BAP) is a company dedicated to showcasing, educating, and supporting African-Brazilian movement arts.

During this family class, the NC Brazilian Arts Project hopes to increase cultural exchange and community enrichment by emphasizing the social justice and the African and Indigenous roots of Capoeira. By educating ourselves on this embodied history we believe that we can foment honest discussions and practices that could support social change in the United States. The NC BAP envisions creating a culture of inclusivity while simultaneously underlining the importance of valuing the discipline required of the performance arts.

This class teaches the history and roots of this beautiful form of art, you will listen to the typical instruments of the Capoeira and sing the songs, learn to do the basic steps of it (no previous experience required) and engage actively in this community event, moving the body and nourishing the soul.

Learn more about NC Brazilian Arts Project at ncbrazilianartsproject.com.

With generous support from the David and Nicole Tepper Foundation

Juan Pablo Blanco, Musical and Capoeira Director and Founder of the NC Brazilian Arts Project, initiated his athletic career as a child in Venezuela playing competitive basketball and ultimately gained expertise in martial arts such as Capoeira (an Afro-Brazilian martial art), Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and professional mixed martial arts.

Juan Pablo is a Capoeira instructor and an experienced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor, including several championship wins. Aside from his successful career in martial arts, he worked as a trainer and is also a master-level licensed physical therapist in South America.

Juan Pablo enjoys working with people to help them meet their fitness and athletic goals. He studied and trained in martial arts across Brazil and the United States and has trained with masters such as Lucas Lepri, Cobrinha from Alliance Jiu Jitsu. He currently studies with Mestre Esquilo/Bruno Melo and Contra Mestre Zumbi/Aristides Valeriano from the International Capoeira School, Cordao de Ouro.

LaTanya Johnson’s rhythmic journey blends the art of movement and storytelling through voice, theater, and visual arts.

Johnson choreographed and provided movement coaching for many productions including, A Raisin in the Sun, Seven Guitars, Ain't Misbehavin’, The Bluest Eye, For the Love of Harlem, A Soldier's Play, and The Piano Lesson. She has worked with Theatre Charlotte, On Q Productions, Free Reign Theater Company, and Brand New Sheriff (BNS) Productions. In 2016, Johnson curated a dance series in celebration of the Gantt Center’s 40th Anniversary, entitled "Catch the Dance".

Johnson’s conservatory training includes Philadanco (Philadelphia Dance Company), Historical New Freedom Theatre in Philadelphia, and Urban Bush Women Summer Leadership Institute, to name a few. She is the founder and artistic director of the Sycamore Project, a Charlotte-based “artivist” initiative using the arts to advocate and promote social and environmental justice.