Rita Vilhena – Profile

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RITA VILHENA – FORMADA CENOURA
Rita grew up in Sesimbra a picturesque fishing village in the coast of Portugal.She began ballet at 5, gymnastics aged 8 and capoeira at 14.

Rita began teaching capoeira at 18 under the supervision of Justino(Faisca)in Association Alto Astral de Capoeira. In 2008 Faisca and Rita began training under the supervision of Mestre Balu Association Rabo de Arraia Capoeira with who she now trains, teaches and travel internationally.

In 2006 Rita was first classified in Portuguese Capoeira Competitions and in 2011 2nd F/M International Capoeira Competition C.T.C Top-class in the category of best soloist.

Rita Graduated with a degree in Dance from university of human kinetics in Lisbon in 2009.
In 2008 Whilst taking further training in Brazil Rita performed with Centro Cultural de Capoeira Agua de Beber in Beach Park Resort in Fortaleza.

Rita has performed for Ivan Blackstock creative director of birdgang in ‘Blk n Gld’ and ‘Odyssey’, which premiered in Sadler’s Wells and Pavilion Dance in 2013. Rita joined Ella Mesma Company in 2014 as a principal dancer in ‘Orixás’ which is currently touring the UK. Rita has also performed for Nutempo, Guarini and Brazilian Uk Academy(BUKA), Summer Performance Next Stage Project(New York City Center) and The Opening Ceremony of Guimarães European Capital of Culture ” Os Nossos Afetos” in 2012.

Rita performed folkloric dances from Recife with Alto Astral cultural association including Rock in Rio Lisboa, she also performed for Oi Brasil, Element Dance, Taste of Brazil and photographic model for Sport Brazil clothing (Salvador Bhaia)

Rita has also done innumerous commercial and television work including Pavilhão Atlântico, Tivoli, Pavilhão dos Recreios, TVI, SIC, RTP1,Stunt artist for TV commercial (Conduzir com sono pode Matar, Mad Stunts) Juvenile Series Morangos com Açucar(character And dancer Regina 2008) brands as Nike,Ives Saint Laurent, Porsche, stage tributes(Chicago, Michael Jackson and Grease) High School Musical live show and Live children Show tour with Lemon Live Entertainment directed by Lianne Bruce. “Since I started CapoeiraI felt I found a place to “recharge my batteries” express myself and improve my fitness levels.

Capoeira guided me thru a healthy life style and to have a sense of enjoyment in everything I do.Master Balu, guides me on my path in Capoeira and much more and he was the one who adviced me to move to London in 2012 where I’m now fullfiling and following all my dreams and aspirations of continuing to work with movement with different and challenging populations and gathering my passion for capoeira, dance, and movement in general as a performer” Rita

SIDNEY ROCHA-MESTRE BALU
Balu show

Sidney Rocha known as Mestre Balu was born in Brasilia(Brazil),at the age of 17 in 1985 he started practicing capoeira in the streets, in 1986 with Mestre Adilson and in 1989 he started teaching classes in Brasilia. He was recognized Teacher(professor)in 1992.

In 1994 Sidney Rocha was invited to tour Europe and perform for spanish TV for 4 months with a Brazilian Show produced by Jose Luis Moreno;executive productor of variety shows for TVE (Spanish television)and productor of stages shows. He was invited to repeat the tour but he was not interested.

In 1995, for 6 months, Sidney had a more cultural proposal and he joined a tour to teach and take part in several events in Europe with recognized Mestres that already had they work represented in Europe:Mestre Suassuna(Capoeira Cordão de Ouro), Mestre Gato(Senzala),Mestre Paulino Sabia e Paulao Ceara(Capoeira Brasil)Mestre Mao Branca(Capoeira Gerais) Mestre Balu went back to Brazil where he continued to work with capoeira.

In 1997abril he was invited to work with Brazilian shows in several hotels in Tenerife.

In 1998 he started teaching classes in this Island and founded The Group Rabo de Arraia Capoeira with the necessity of promoting capoeira in a professional way adapted to Europe.

In 2003 he moved to Bilbao where he currently lives.

In 2006 he organized Capoeiracapu, the first world Capoeira championship, with the presence of 22 Mestres from all over the world, where participate together contestants from 19 countries.

In 2007 he organized the 2nd edition where was present 2 the master responsible for the development of contemporary capoeira. Mestre Moraes e Mestre Camisa

The group is celebrating this year his 30 years of Capoeira, with students and friends from all around the world. Some already develop his one brands and groups after many years under his coordenation. His style is known as fierce, with beautiful aesthetics and very detailed techniques that are continuously being improved and developed.

The Mestre is a support and inspiration for all students , he coordenates the work of the teachers and has under his supervision over 600 students in Portugal, Spain, UK, Brazil, Angola, Romênia, México, and Ukraine.

Mestre is always improving himself and he is aware of capoeira development all over the world as well in to keep it connected with its origin and fundaments. Thru the year the group organizes several events with the objective of getting together Mestres, Teachers and students of Capoeira, dance and music from different places of the world with the objective of sharing knowledge, music, techniques and offering the students exciting opportunities to travel and to socialize in different environments with different cultures.

“Capoeira means to know and accept the limitations and differences of all of us. To be more comprehensive” Sidney Rocha