Epstein's Master Class - Capoeira

In a continuing effort to share each others hidden talents and spend time together, we were excited to hold the third session of Epstein's Master Class initiative. During this stay-at-home time, we will get the chance to see just how talented some of our staff is!

Next up to show off their skills was Alex Lewis, a Project Engineer in our Civil department. Capoeira (cap-o-eh-rah) is an Afro-Brazilian martial arts created by the slaves in Brazil. Used as a tool to fight against slave owners, capoeira had to be trained in secret. In order to achieve that, capoeiristas would practice to music and masqueraded the art form as a dance. Capoeira was outlawed in Brazil until the 1940s. Now capoeira is a celebrated art form in Brazil and all around the world.

Alex has been training with Grupo Axe Capoeira for 12 years. To be a true practitioner of capoeira, you are not only embracing the art form but also the culture. In respecting and embracing that mentality, Alex trains capoeira as well as plays many percussion instruments and is a part of the Axe Capoeira Dance troupe, where they put on performances throughout the year.

Alex has had the opportunity to travel throughout North America and train capoeira with many high ranking practitioners. He hopes to go to Brazil in the near future and train.

Thanks for (attempting) to teach us your ways, Alex!