On Wednesday, September 20, McConomy Auditorium was transformed into a whirlpool of amazing beats, graceful movements, and some seemingly impossible dance moves by Nego Gato, a capoeira dance troupe trained by a master of capoeira, Nego Gato himself. The performance was organized by the Carnegie Mellon Advising and Resource Center (CMARC) to help kick off Hispanic Heritage Month.

One of the most unique dance styles in the world today, capoeira brings together the various arts of music, fighting, dance, theater, and philosophy. It was developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil as an incredible martial art form in which the unarmed body becomes a tool stronger than even guns and swords.

The performance was kicked off with samba at a slow beat, created with the help of congos and drums. However, as the music picked up, the same performer started playing two drums at the same time and the result was a very fascinating percussion feat.

Up next was a series of dances each devoted to a different Orixa (pronounced "reesha"), or Brazilian/African saints. The first one was "Omulu," representing sickness and health. The dance movements were unlike anything ever seen before, and the light rhythm seemed to compliment the strong dance style.

The second dance was "Oshun," representing the river with its beauty and its sweetness. As told by the Nego Gato troupe, it is said that, "If you like to look in a mirror, then there is a little bit of Oshun in you." It was followed by "Yemaja," which was a tribute to the mother of all Oxicas. The next was "Ogun," showcasing the African warrior while at the same time depicting technology; both strive to make life easier, one by providing protection and the other by providing convenience.

The last in the series was "Makulele," which involved stick fighting, portraying the hard work that slaves had to do in Brazil. The dance troupe had the entire audience chanting "Suao Makulele!" ("I am strong!") during the entire song. The two drums and three congos created such vivid beats that they seemed to compensate for an entire orchestra.

Next, it was the moment the entire audience had been waiting for – pure capoeira! It was a mesmerizing portrayal of the exquisite dance form in all its glory. The performers' bodies seemed to be made of elastic as they moved in ways that seem impossible to imagine. It seemed as if the performers found it easier to stand on their hands, sometimes even just a single hand, than on their feet! It was a treat for both the eyes and the ears, and a wonderful cultural lesson.

The grand finale was what can only be referred to as "a little capoeira for everyone." The members of the troupe had some of the audience on the stage and dancing to capoeira beats with help of a five minute crash course.

Overall, the performance was quite breath taking, and those who missed out should look out for capoeira learners practicing on the Cut. It's really quite a visual feast!

For more information about and upcoming events for Hispanic Heritage Month, visit the Student Affairs' website.

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