All of the classes offered by Capoeira Angola Flagstaff are given by Professor Avi Henn, Maome, and Dourado and Ligeiro. Our group mentor Mestre Cabello, visits and provides workshops and activities during our DanceBatukeira Flagstaff events. Below is information about Professor Avi and Mestre Cabello.  

Professor Avi

Avi Henn has been dedicated to practicing and learning the art of Capoeira for over 17 years. He is a student and teacher of the whole art of Capoeira Angola including movement, music, dance, history, and philosophy. Avi started teaching Capoeira 10 years ago when he founded the Capoeira Amizade group here in Flagstaff Arizona. In January 2015 Avi was recognized as a "Professor" of Capoeira Angola under the mentorship of Mestres Cabello of Serra Grande Bahia Brazil. Avi is versed in teaching methods through the study of Capoeira Angola, but also due to his background in coaching basketball, being an instructor at the Israeli military, and his academic background that includes teaching undergraduate and graduate level classes at Northern Arizona University.    

In his classes, Avi emphasizes healthy body mechanics, movement competency, music, and the rituals of Capoeira Angola. He also regards and explores Capoeira Angola as a tool for self-awareness, enrichment and empowerment. Professor Avi seeks to increase awareness of Capoeira Angola in Arizona and the United States. He believes that Capoeira Angola is one of the best tools for modern people to maintain a connection to basic human needs such as movement, music, ritual, and community.

Mestre Cabello

Born in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil, Mestre Cabello dedicates his life to the rhythms, instruments, songs and dances of the Afro-Brazilian culture. Mestre Cabello has been practicing Capoeira since 1980’s performing and teaching around the world since 1990. A professional Capoeira Angola teacher with more than 30 years of experience. He is proud to be a student and senior practitioner under the world famous master Mestre João Grande. He also studies Afro-Brazilian rhythms and dance as a disciple of Professora Emilia Biancardi and master drummer Jorge Alabê. Currently Mestre Cabello directs both the OuroVerde cultural farm and the Barracão D'Angola cultural center in Serra Grande Bahia Brazil, where he promotes Brazilian culture creation, presentation, education, and preservation. His aim and life mission is to engage and deepen public appreciation and support for Capoeira Angola, and use cultural knowledge and practices to preserve the natural environment, assure bright sustainable future for local children through artistic and social development, to promote grass root, local, social, and economic community development. Twice a year Mestre Cabello organizes the international event called DanceBatukeira where he hosts practitioners and teachers from around the world. In the 23rd DanceBatukeira January 2015, Mestre Cabello graduated six Professors of Capoeira Angola. He now has representatives in five different locations including in Brazil, Mexico, the United States, and Israel.