Songs rich with oral traditions are sung to references what is occurring at that very moment in the game. This gathering of musicians and artist forms a community of expression. The musical soul of Capoeira , the berimbau, leads an orchestra of drums, tambourines and bells. The rhythms govern the speed and type of games played. One rhythm calls for beautiful flourishes and graceful movements, another calls for close-quartered movements, and sneaky deception to trap the opponent.
Many moves involve headstands, handstands, cartwheels and other improvised movements.
There are small rituals and gestures that season the games. Everyone s style of play is very individual, and evolves with their experience in the art. In training, we often play competitively with our partner. Rather than block an oncoming blow, we evade it with a flight or a flourish, and trip them up as we leave. At its best expression, there is never any actual contact between players.