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If Cities Could Dance
Follow a Capoeirista’s Journey From the Bay Area to Brazil
Season 5
Episode 10
Ricky "Malandro" Lawson II has practiced capoeira for 25 years, traveling often to its birthplace, Salvador, Bahia, to better understand the art form’s origins, and experience the deep ancestral energy in the most African city outside of the continent. Malandro returns to share how capoeira was birthed, efforts to ban it, and the legacy of Mestre Bimba, who brought it back from near extinction.
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8:36
A SF-Bay Area capoeira student shares her love of the Afro-Brazilian art form.
12:52
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Sean Dorsey creates stages for trans and queer performing artists.
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Hip hop dance legend Rennie Harris highlights notable experiences in his dance career.
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East St. Louis’ artists foster African American dance legend Katherine Dunham's legacy.