Arte E Magia

History and sentiment behind song

The arte (AH-chee) of capoeira refers to its creativity. A good capoeirista doesn't just copy everything his/her mestre does like a pre-programmed robot. Instead the player is encouraged to create and thus developing your own style that reflects your own personality. Almost all capoeirista has felt the magia (mah-ZHEE-ah) of capoeira, the energy of the music, the camaraderie of the community, the addictive thrill that comes when you get a new movement. Thus the title of the song, the creativity and magic.

The song talks about the luta (LOO-tah) and dança (DAHN-sah). Luta, although translated as fight, it isn't the typical fistfight or brawl. It describes martial arts and also battles/movements such as the battle for freedom and equality. Capoeira, in addition to being a martial art, is also a "battle" to achieve deeper goals. The song further describes capoeira as dança which reflects the beauty and musicality of capoeira. It's not enough to play a good technical game in the roda, you must also do it beautifully! As in a dance, the capoeirista's movements are guided by the rhythm of the music.