In the old days, capoeira was danced on the plantations and in public areas during breaks and public holidays. Nowadays, it is usually displayed in the academies or on some occations in public areas. Placed in a circle, the dancers sing and clap their hands to the music, emphasising the importance of music in capoeira.

Although the music probably was not a part of the game initially, it has developed into an essential part of capoeira today. The orchestra consists of the following instruments: tre berimbaus with different tone of voice, an atabaque (drum), two pandeiros (tamburines), an agogo (a bell-shaped metal instrument) and finally an afoxè (rattle filled with rice or beans).

Two dancers enter the circle and bow to the berimbau, the main instrument in capoeira, before saluting each other.

Afterwards, they ask for blessing and protection during the game before conducting the initial movement: bending down, balancing on heads and hands with their feet up high. This is called "a queda de rim" and is the start of the whole capoeira game.

RYTHM AND PLIANCY
The game can develop into a rather lively affair, depending on whether the berimbaus are played either loud and fast or low and rythmic, always in perfect harmony with the other singers and musicians.

A good capoeira dancer needs effective reflects, good breathing skills and perfect self control in order to master this beautiful game.

Capoeira requires the dancers to be quick and flexible. The main movement is the "ginga", a rythmic, waiting movement back and furth. This is the foundation for the other hit - and defense movements.

It is important to notice that in the angola version of capoeira, the dancers must avoid physical contact and not fall to the ground.