See Axé in Action

Capoeira is a martial art, a dance, live music, and a community all rolled into one. Explore what a typical week (and the occasional show) actually looks like at Axé Capoeira Chicago.

01 — The Discipline

Martial Arts

Kicks, takedowns, and acrobatics from the roda — Capoeira as a fight, a game, and a workout all at once.

Capoeira martial arts training session at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Students practicing capoeira kicks and defense at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Capoeira roda featuring sparring students at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Axé Capoeira Chicago students demonstrating martial arts movement
Capoeira martial arts class in session at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Students exchanging capoeira movements inside the roda at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Capoeira martial arts training session at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Students practicing capoeira kicks and defense at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Capoeira roda featuring sparring students at Axé Capoeira Chicago
02 — The Culture

Dance & Folklore

Samba, Maculelê, Coco de Roda, and Orixás — the Afro-Brazilian traditions woven into everything we teach.

Brazilian folkloric dance performance at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Dancer in traditional maracatu costume at an Axé Capoeira Chicago event
Escola de Samba Chicago dancers in folkloric costume
Traditional Afro-Brazilian dance performance at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Folkloric costume and choreography at an Axé Capoeira Chicago show
Brazilian cultural dance performance featuring traditional regalia
Brazilian folkloric dance performance at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Dancer in traditional maracatu costume at an Axé Capoeira Chicago event
Escola de Samba Chicago dancers in folkloric costume
03 — The Rhythm

Music

The berimbau, atabaque, and pandeiro set the beat — live music drives every roda and every show.

Traditional Brazilian percussion performance at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Capoeira musician playing berimbau at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Live music accompanying a capoeira roda at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Musicians playing pandeiro and atabaque at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Instructor leading live capoeira music at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Traditional capoeira instruments played during a roda
Traditional Brazilian percussion performance at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Capoeira musician playing berimbau at Axé Capoeira Chicago
04 — The Stage

Performance

From street festivals to our own Essence of Brazil show — our team takes what happens in the academy out into the spotlight.

Axé Capoeira Chicago performers on stage at a live event
Escola de Samba Chicago stage performance in costume
Brazilian music and dance showcase at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Costumed stage performer at an Axé Capoeira Chicago cultural event
Live cultural performance featuring music and dance at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Axé Capoeira Chicago performers showcasing Brazilian culture on stage
Axé Capoeira Chicago performers on stage at a live event
Escola de Samba Chicago stage performance in costume
Brazilian music and dance showcase at Axé Capoeira Chicago
05 — The Family

Community

Graduations, batizados, and everyday classes — the people who make Axé feel like home.

Axé Capoeira Chicago students training together in class
Community capoeira class at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Students and families gathered for a capoeira class at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Kids and adults practicing capoeira together at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Axé Capoeira Chicago community members training as a group
Capoeira students of all ages practicing together at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Axé Capoeira Chicago students training together in class
Community capoeira class at Axé Capoeira Chicago
Students and families gathered for a capoeira class at Axé Capoeira Chicago

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