Ginga Brasileira
Art Form(s):Artist Statement
"The arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing and arithmetic...music, dance, painting and theater are all keys that unlock profound human understanding and accomplishment."
William Bennett, former U.S. Secretary of Education
Artist Bio
Efraim Silva, director of Ginga Brasileira, was born in Guaruja, Sao Paulo, Brazil. He started to practice Capoeira at age 13 and became an instructor at 17. He also studied Brazilian folk dance and music, particularly Maculele and Samba. He had his own academy of dance in Brazil until he moved to the United States in 1990. Since that time he has been dazzling audiences with his performances at schools, colleges, theaters, and festivals across the United States.
Silva has been awarded state and federal certification as a professional musician and rhythmist and was awarded a Master of Capoeira certificate by the Sao Paulo Federation of Capoeira in 1994.
Testimonials
The shows were a hit with both age groups! Ginga gave cultural background on each song/ dance that was age appropriate. He used humor and gave all of the students an opportunity to participate. The children loved the mixed martial arts dance as well as the last Carnival dance/ costume. I truly believe that each child left with a general understanding of the Brazilian culture. Many of the teachers raved about his performance.
Enrichment Coordinator, Middletown Village School
Awesome! Both students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the program! Ginga had us all clapping, chanting, speaking Portuguese, and dancing!
Teacher, Mercer Elementary School
Absolutely Brilliant!
PTO Representative, Franklin School
