Biddeford Recreation is excited to offer NEW Capoeira Alma Do Mar sessions with instructor Pamela McGrath!
What is Capoeira? Capoeira is a seamless combination of martial arts, acrobatics, music and language, established in Brazil with African roots. Its practice increases flexibility, coordination, strength and balance, as well as build self-confidence and positive character. Capoeira encourages students to have fun, be playful, and express themselves through movement & music with benefits to both physical and intellectual development. Students will learn movements consisting of kicks and defenses, as well as sing songs in Portuguese and play instruments. Capoeira enables students to build endurance, agility, flexibility, balance, coordination, and rhythm all while learning about the culture of Brazil.
Join us for our first introductory four-week session in January 2026 - space is limited so don't wait to register!
About the Instructor
Pamela McGrath (Professora Sonho) has been training capoeira since September 2002. Her training began with Mestre Beck of Capoeira Volta ao Mundo (originating in Santos, São Paulo, Brazil), a student of Mestre Sombra of Capoeira Senzala de Santos, in Santos, São Paulo, Brazil. Pamela established Capoeira Alma do Mar in 2012 in Portland, Maine, under the umbrella of Alma Cultural Arts L3C. She has taught kids and adults of all ages and backgrounds through weekly ongoing classes, customized workshops for schools and universities, and a multitude of events around the U.S. and beyond.
Class Description and Format
Each class consists of four sections: warm up, movement/technique, partner work, and music. Beginner classes focus on foundational movements, technique, theory and history, all while having fun and learning a new culture. As students progress, movements and technique become more challenge, each one building upon the next, creating a conversation in movement that is practiced with music playing in the background. Most classes also include time to learn and play musical instruments, as well as learn to sing songs in the Portuguese language.
Sessions can build upon each other or stand alone. Ongoing sessions would allow for any levels to attend!
Program Details:
Location: J. Richard Martin Community Center Auditorium, second floor
Session 1:
Four week introductory session: Wednesdays, January 7-January 28, 2026
Times:
Students ages 9-11: 5:30-6:15PM
Teens/Adults ages 12+: 6:30-7:30PM
Registration fee: $70.00/resident; $80.00/non-resident (for four week intro session)
Maximum: 20 students per class
Future sessions will be offered in six-week blocks with registrations opening later this winter/spring
Save the dates!
Session 2: March 4-April 8, 2026
Session 3: April 29-June 3, 2026