Named “black cat” after its dynamic founder, this mesmerizing dance and music ensemble sways, kicks, sings and jogos “plays” its way through a captivating performance of Capoeira: the Brazilian
dance, game and martial art. This dazzling show is sure to both educate and delight audiences in the beauty and depth of the Afro-Brazilian culture.

A Closer Look – About the Performers:

This dynamic company brings to their audiences the rich African influenced rhythms and dances originating in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, a region known for customs deeply rooted in the traditions of ancestral Africa. The group is named after the organization's Founder & Executive/Artistic Director, Mestre Nego Gato. His story is the story of Nego Gato itself.

As a young boy Jose Sena performed the beautiful art forms of Capoeira, Orixa dance and Afro-Brazilian music throughout Salvador da Bahia, Brazil. In time, his reputation grew and he earned the name Nego Gato for his acrobatic springs and jumps. Mestre Gato performed throughout Brazil, Latin America and Europe with groups Tenda dos Milagres and Viva Bahia. As his reputation grew so did his travel and he soon found himself teaching and performing throughout the United States, where he founded his New York City troupe of dancers who ‘played’ the dance/sport/martial art called Capoeira.

The company’s performances are designed to share the beauty, variety and dynamic power of Afro-Brazilian culture. Mestre Gato continues to perform with his band the Nego Gato Music and Dance ensemble in venues such as The Kennedy Center with such artists as Oludum, Patti LaBelle and Daniella Mercury. He also has a CD of music entitled Baino in New York.

About Capoeira:

Capoeira combines the various arts of music, fighting, dance, theater and philosophy into what is considered by many to be the most unique and flexible art form in the world today.  It is a total mind/body discipline; involving the learning of the songs, instruments and philosophy of the art form as well as the acrobatic movements, attacks and defenses.

For More Information:

www.negogato.org