Portland, Maine—Capoeira Volta ao Mundo will launch a new program for children with a Free Open House on Friday, September 27, 6:00 p.m. at Portland Ballet, 517 Forest Avenue, Portland. This is a free event for parents and children in the community and will feature a live Capoeira Performance by current students and visiting Masters from New England and beyond. Following the performance, there will be an Information Session for Parents.

Capoeira is a Brazilian Dance form that combines self-defense, music and acrobatics to increase flexibility, coordination, strength and balance. Capoeira encourages youth to have fun, be playful and express themselves through movement and music, with benefits to both physical and intellectual development. In addition to movement and music, children will gain confidence and tools to achieve and be motivated in other areas of their lives. Though Capoeira is a form of self-defense, it is played with respect for individuals and the community.

Joining Capoeira Volta ao Mundo on Friday, September 27 for the Open House and Performance will be: Master Batata from Los Angeles, CA, Master Efraim Silva from New Haven, CT, and Master Pinga Fogo from Austin, TX, among other visiting teachers.

The children’s program will begin on Thursday, October 3 at Bhakti in Motion Studio, 155 Brackett Street, Portland. Classes will be for ages 6 years old and up, and will commence at 4:00 p.m. For more information on the Open House or Master Beck and Capoeira Volta ao Mundo, please call 207/409-6124 or visit the website at www.capoeiramaine.com.

For more information on Portland Ballet, the venue for the Free Open House and Performance, please visit http://www.portlandballet.org.

For more information on Bhakti in Motion Studio, the venue for the Children’s Capoeira Classes, please visit http://bhaktiinmotion.com.