Girls Kick Butt

Chicago capoeira group hosts a women's workshop to teach the ancient art

Gingarte Capoeira Chicago, an active community of more than 100 students and performers who practice the ancient African-Brazilian art form, is hosting its sixth annual Women's Event, a three-day series of workshops, panel discussions and more, from Friday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, March 1.

The Women's Event will offer women-led seminars in capoeira (which combines fluid martial arts movements with dancing, singing and musical instruments), as well as other types of Brazilian dance and music. Gingarte Capoeira trains under founder and director Contra-Mestre Marisa Cordeiro, who ranks among the best female capoeiristas in the U.S. and is considered a pioneer for women in the art of capoeira in both America and Brazil. (In other words, she's a total bad ass.)

The Women's Event will kick off tonight (Thursday, Feb. 26) with a welcoming party and Carnaval show from 7PM-2AM at legendary Wrigleyville reggae club the Wild Hare. The weekend of festivities continues on Friday from 6-10PM at Shoreland Hall at the University of Chicago (5454 South Shore Dr.) with a capoeira workshop and an opening roda (a circle where participants take turns playing musical instruments, singing and sparring). Saturday's events include workshops at Shoreland Hall from 11AM-6PM followed by a community pot luck dinner, and Sunday wraps things up with more workshops from 11AM-2PM and a panel discussion from 2-4PM at the University of Chicago International House (1414 E. 59th St.).  

Admission fees are $60 for the entire weekend including the opening party, $28 per day and $20 for one workshop.

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