Learning in Motion: Capoeira with Silvio Dos Reis

At Seattle Amistad School, the arts are woven into everything we do — our classrooms, our hallways, our conversations, and our community. While our academic programs challenge the mind, our arts programs nurture the whole child: heart, body, and spirit.

One beautiful expression of this work is our Capoeira program, taught by Professor Silvio Dos Reis, who brings music, movement, history, and joy to all our students. Yes, all of them — even our tiniest movers who are just discovering their own little rhythms.

An art form born from resilience

Capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art Silvio teaches, blends dance-like movement, martial arts, live music, call-and-response songs, and storytelling. Every movement carries meaning. Every rhythm carries memory. Created by enslaved Africans who used movement, music, and rhythm as both protection and cultural preservation, that legacy of creativity and resilience lives on in every roda.

Language, learned through rhythm

In Silvio's classes, students learn that movement can connect them to history just as deeply as books and stories do. They learn to ginga, balance, listen, respond, and express themselves — each in their own way. Whether a student arrives with bold confidence or toddles in with wide-eyed curiosity, Silvio meets them with a warmth and patience that makes every child feel like they belong in the circle.

Through music, rhythm, and movement, students practice language in an environment filled with laughter and authenticity. They clap together, sing together, observe each other, and take turns stepping into the roda, learning collaboration and courage without even realizing it.

Growing our arts program

Some students leap into the center with cartwheels, big kicks, and proud smiles. Others offer tiny steps, soft claps, or gentle sways — movements that are every bit as meaningful.

As we expand our arts programming across all grade levels, Capoeira has become a shining example of the kind of inclusive, culturally grounded, and joyful arts education we aim to offer: empowering, connective, rooted in culture, and filled with heart.