Community & Commitment

Angola BKLYN trains at Esquina, a space created for the conscious building of a diverse and thriving community of movers, musicians and artists regardless of age or experience. It’s a center dedicated to the health of the body, mind and spirit, where collective growth, playfulness, and inclusivity are celebrated. 

  • First and foremost, we are a community. Our bonds are forged through continuous interaction and the commitment to come to class. Each individual plays a crucial role and contributes simply by being present. It is through this collective presence that we create a space of trust and safety, which are essential for effective learning and growth.

    Unlike the standard model where you pay, show up, and leave, often without talking to the instructor or anyone else, we value and celebrate every person. While there is a symbolic exchange of currency to support the space we train in, our model prioritizes human connection over profit. We believe everyone deserves to feel safe and belong to a community. In fast-paced places like New York City, connecting with others and forming healthy communities can be challenging. However, being part of a meaningful community has been shown to decrease stress, increase resilience, and provide a sense of belonging. Our practice of Capoeira Angola, with its consistent exposure and high participation, is one way to build such a community.

  • • Mutual Respect

    • Honoring the art & those who came before us

    • Building Diverse Community

    • Continuous Learning

    • Fun

    • Safety

  • We offer three weekly classes at Esquina; Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6:30-8:30pm and Saturdays from 11:30am-1:00pm.

    Students are expected to attend all three classes as well as our monthly roda that is the culmination of the work we do during the week/month and the expression of our community in action. Our rodas are usually on the third Saturday of every month from 2-5pm.

    Capoeira Angola is a cumulative and collaborative community art form, and as such your presence in the classes helps the flow of your own learning and that of your fellow students.

    Any additional dates/events/performances/social gatherings are optional and will be shared in the group WhatsApp chat.

  • Our main method of communication is a WhatsApp group chat where we post class materials and updates about upcoming events.

    Please download the app and send an email to fala@angolabklyn.com requesting the QR invite code to the group.

    This group is for the learning & studying of active community members and we ask that materials that get shared within the group stay within the group and don’t get shared on social media or elsewhere.

  • We train in our Angola Bklyn t-shirts of any color, which can be purchased at class or online. T-shirts are tucked into any full-length pant that you can move freely in.

    Wear white t-shirts and white (or light tan) pants for the rodas.

    Belts are helpful to keep our shirts tucked in while we freely go upside-down.

    Street shoes are NOT allowed at Esquina.

    Please bring any low-soled sneaker that doesn’t have too much padding and allows you to “feel” the floor and your movements. Some examples of shoes that people like: Keds, Converse, Vans, Rainhas, and minimalist wide-toe box shoes.

  • It is our goal at Angola BKLYN to welcome students that reflect the richly diverse community of Brooklyn. We believe everyone deserves to find joy in practice, movement and community regardless of socioeconomic means.

    We offer various pricing options, from new student discounts, single class drop-ins, sliding scale monthly contracts and annual discounted contracts. Visit Join Today for more details.

    We also offer limited scholarships to those who need it, email fala@angolabklyn.com for more information.

  • Visiting from out of town? Seja bem-vindo!

    Please send us a message at fala@angolabklyn.com, create a MindBody account to sign our waiver and purchase a Drop-In (class $30).

    Community members: while we want to grow our community, we ask that you let us know before bringing a friend to class as this disrupts the flow of our cumulative learning.

  • • No food or open liquid containers at Esquina.

    • There is no bottled water for sale but we have a water fountain where you can refill your own container.

    • No cell phone use in the class setting. Please silence or turn-off all mobile devices (including vibration notifications).

    • Esquina & Angola Bklyn are not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items.