History & Cultural Context
Developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil from at least the 17th century (precise origins are debated), it grew as a clandestine practice; by the traditional account, fight training was disguised as dance to evade repression.
Sources & Further Reading
Cultural & Historical Context
Capoeira emerged from Brazil during the 1650s—present day. Understanding the cultural roots, musical traditions, and social circumstances of this era enriches appreciation for the dance's characteristics and significance.
Primary Source Documents
The Library of Dance contains public-domain primary sources for dance history. Copyrighted modern syllabi are indexed with purchase links to their respective copyright owners. Search by dance name or codifier to discover primary source documents.
Last reviewed: August 2026 — This dance profile synthesizes historical research, cultural documentation, and contemporary practice knowledge to provide authoritative context.
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