An Examination of Improvisation in Capoeria.

Abstract

This study examines the use of improvisation in the martial art Capoeira and in dance. It considers the use of improvisation in other art forms and aesthetic sporting activities. The research was completed through building and then comparing two Case Studies; one on the Angola style of Capoeira, and one on a piece by Laurie Booth called Dance House 4. This research highlighted that the relationship between performers in duet forms of improvisation, such as Capoeira and Contact Improvisation, holds a great amount of interest for an audience. How improvisation is judged, and what is valued in improvisation is important. Also creativity lies within the choices performers make to negotiate the different components of an improvisation; often this includes a performer attempting discover something new or unusual. In Capoeira this research also identified a possible link between creativity and a more playful attitude and approach to the style. The examination of Booth’s piece, Dance House 4, with Capoeira suggests that the shift from improvised performance into a composed piece of work can lead to the sacrifice of the excitement and unpredictability within the relationship between performers.