Capoeira appropriation practices and the networks of meanings shared by Italians

Abstract

Objective: Analyzes the capoeira appropriation practices carried out by capoeiristas from the Beribazu Capoeira Group in Vicenza/Italy. Methodology: This is qualitative research, of a descriptive-interpretative nature, carried out with Italian capoeiristas. The data were produced through a focus group, with eight practitioners, and participant observation in places where the group carries out its work and daily activities. The data was subjected to content analysis. Results and discussion: For Italians, the meaning of group corresponds to a space in which its practitioners share love, affection, respect and family life, in the broadest sense of the words. They cooperate for the success of the collective, they commit themselves to the development of the culture to which they were introduced and they no longer consider themselves foreigners in relation to this popular manifestation, but capoeiristas. Final Considerations: There is an active process of cultural appropriation, in which the aesthetics of reception denote unique ways of conceiving and relating to capoeira, bringing new elements to broaden the understanding of the internationalization processes of this Afro-diasporic manifestation.