On June 26-28, 2026 CLAS partnered up with Capoeira Columbus to host Bora Vadiar Ohio, a capoeira workshop that brought together over 60 participants from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and had guest instructors from California. Throughout that weekend, the Barnett Collaboratory became a space for folks wearing their abadás (white capoeira pants) to sing, play Afro-Brazilian instruments, practice their capoeira skills and, most importantly, create community. 

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, music, acrobatics and dancing. It is characterized by its rhythmic movements, with capoeiristas (people who practice capoeira) engaging in a game called jogo while musicians play traditional instruments like the berimbau and pandeiro. In capoeira, participants need to move with fluidity and agility as they do their ginga (foundational swaying step in capoeira), kicks and dodges. The workshops allowed participants to practice and develop all these skills. 

Lead organizer of this event and capoeira instructor Brasil was extremely pleased with the success of the event and how it helped celebrate the growth of capoeira in Columbus: "Bora Vadiar Ohio 2026 was a magical capoeira weekend in Columbus, Ohio. The vision of the event was to bring special guests to lead capoeira workshops and unforgettable rodas (capoeira circles where the game is played). The event solidified capoeira in Columbus Ohio, covering everything from community aspects to capoeira techniques for the participants. We are forever grateful for the partnership with Ohio State, Professor Quebrado and Instrutora Sem Parar."

For former Ohio State student Thomas Landusky, having this event on campus was extra special. "Growing up in Columbus, we didn't have capoeira; it was something we only saw in movies or video games. Here and now, not just seeing capoeira but being able to do capoeira, from the history to the music to the movements, is nothing short of a marvel. As an OSU alum, experiencing Bora Vadiar here at home was a dream come true" shares Landusky, who has been practicing capoeira for nearly 3 years. 

In addition to providing workshops for experienced capoeiristas, the event also had workshops for children and open to the community. One of the community members that attended Bora Vadiar was David Catire-Thill, a second-year graduate student in the Department of Theater, Film and Media Arts. Currently taking Portuguese for Spanish Speakers at the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, David found out about the event from his instructor. "I really didn’t know much about capoeira going into the workshop and didn’t know what to expect. But the physical techniques we practiced, through sort of game-like partner exercises, along with the music and the opportunity to meet practitioners in the community, made the workshop a really exciting experience. It made me want to take capoeira classes." 

During the youth workshops, instructors focused on teaching capoeira movements and introducing participants to new songs. One 8-year-old participant shared, "I enjoyed meeting people from different places who came to practice capoeira with us. My favorite part was participating in the roda and learning new songs." Parent Chrissy Triskett Bailey also praised the experience: "We had a great time at the Bora Vadiarevent. My son enjoyed learning new techniques and songs from the guest instructors and practicing capoeira with new friends. We're looking forward to attending again next year." 

Do you want to participate in this event next year and try out capoeira? Bora Vadiar Ohio 2027 will take place June 11-13, 2027, so mark your calendars! If you do not want to wait until next summer to embark on your capoeira journey, the Capoeira Brasil Columbus group offers classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Bob Crane Community Center and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Schiller Park Community Center. Check out capoeiracolumbus.com for more information.