ROOTS CAPOEIRA SCHOOL
Cordão de Ouro – Capoeira
We are the Cordão de Ouro – Capoeira group branche of Des Moines Iowa. We share name and philosophy with the international organization Cordão de Ouro – Capoeira, founded in 1970 in Sao Paulo, Brazil by Reinaldo Ramos Suassuna (Mestre Suassuna).
Our mission is to promote and spread Capoeira all over the United States- focusing our work here in Des Moines. Group Cordão de Ouro (CDO) is dedicated to preserving and promoting Afro-Brazilian Culture through inspirational professional performance and instruction of Capoeira and related Brazilian dance and music. By consistently seeking out new and creative ways of exploring and sharing the dynamic aspects of the multi-faceted art of Capoeira and related arts. CDO remains a pioneering force in the preservation and development of Brazilian cultural arts. Using traditional Brazilian arts as its medium, Group Cordão de Ouro seek to inspire and empower people, to realize their full potential as responsible, confident, productive citizens.
Group Cordão de Ouro believes in using Capoeira as an effective vehicle for promoting social change and integration and stimulating individual growth. CDO uses the instruction and performance of Capoeira to transcend socio-economic barriers between communities and encourage community empowerment. CDO helps meet the community’s need for safe, accessible space for participants of all ages and abilities to participate in meaningful activities that engage body, heart, and mind, and serves as a valuable cultural resource. The organization promotes individual and community values of respect, cooperation and freedom.
Cordão de Ouro’s teaching methodology is challenging, yet supportive and provides students with leadership skills and tools to develop into competent professionals. It is rooted in the belief that encouragement and positive role modeling enable Capoeira to enrich the lives of all students- regardless of level or background. The organization strives to improve and promote Capoeira- allowing it to reach its full potential as an internationally respected art, while maintaining its dignity, character, history and traditions.
Today, Cordão de Ouro Capoeira is the largest and most successful Capoeira organization in the world and is represented throughout Brazil and in more than 50 countries worldwide. In Des Moines the Cordão de Ouro Capoeira group is driven by Professor Xará under the supervision of Mestre Chicote (CDO Paris, France) and Mestre Suassuna (Sao Paulo, Brazil).