Looking for an engaging Black History Month activity for your school in October 2026? Senzala London offers dynamic capoeira workshops for schools in London, bringing together movement, music, history and culture in an experience that is active, inclusive and memorable.
Led by Mestre Sanhaço, our workshops introduce students to capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian cultural art that combines movement, music, rhythm, history and community.
Rather than simply learning about history from a textbook, students have the opportunity to explore it through movement, music and participation.
What is capoeira?
Capoeira has its roots in the history and cultural traditions of African people in Brazil. Developed by enslaved Africans and their descendants, capoeira became a powerful form of cultural expression and a way of preserving identity, community and culture.
Today, capoeira is practised around the world, while continuing to carry an important connection to Afro-Brazilian history and heritage.
Our school capoeira workshops give students an accessible introduction to this rich tradition. Through movement, music and storytelling, they can discover the history behind the art while getting involved themselves.
As Mestre Sanhaço explains:
“Through the practice of capoeira we educate our body and mind with body/space awareness; it teaches us timing, discipline and to respect each other. Adding to that, we learn about the history behind it, the legacy of our art form, and how it’s a movement of resistance.”
This combination of physical activity, cultural education and shared experience is what makes capoeira such a powerful workshop for schools.
A Black History Month workshop with a difference
Black History Month is an opportunity for schools to explore Black history, culture and contributions in meaningful and memorable ways.
Our Black History Month school workshops use capoeira as a way of bringing these themes to life.
Students can learn basic capoeira movements, explore traditional music and rhythms, and discover more about the history and cultural significance behind the art form.
The sessions are active and engaging, making them particularly suitable for students who enjoy learning by doing.
Capoeira can also open conversations about freedom, resistance, identity, community and cultural heritage.
Mestre Sanhaço highlights one of the most important parts of this history:
“It’s important to pass on to the new generation that the enslaved people from many different countries had one dream in common: freedom. In Brazil, capoeira was used to fight the oppressors.”
For students, this provides a different way of approaching black history: not only through facts and dates, but through an art form that carries history within its movements, music and traditions.
What can students learn through capoeira?
A capoeira workshop offers much more than physical activity. Students are encouraged to participate, listen, cooperate and learn together.
Through the session, they can develop:
- Confidence – trying new movements and taking part in a supportive group environment.
- Respect – learning to work with and respond to others.
- Coordination and fitness – developing physical awareness, balance and movement.
- Cultural awareness – discovering Afro-Brazilian history, traditions and cultural expression.
- Teamwork – participating together and supporting other students.
- Discipline – developing focus, timing and awareness through practice.
These skills can complement wider learning across subjects including history, music, dance, physical education and cultural studies.
Suitable for different ages and abilities
Our capoeira workshops for schools can be adapted to suit different age groups, abilities and school environments.
Students don’t need any previous experience of capoeira. Whether they are completely new to the art or already enjoy dance, martial arts or other physical activities, everyone can participate at their own level.
Capoeira is naturally collaborative. Rather than focusing on competition, our workshops encourage students to learn together, interact with one another and become part of the experience.
More than just movement
One of the things that makes capoeira such a valuable school workshop is that there is much more to it than the physical side.
Students are introduced to movement, music and rhythm alongside the history and cultural significance of capoeira. This creates a broader experience that can support classroom discussions around Black History Month, Brazil, African and Afro-Brazilian heritage, music, dance and physical education.
It is an opportunity for students to move, listen, learn and experience something they may never have encountered before.
And because the learning happens through participation, students don’t simply hear about a culture — they become actively involved in discovering it.
Bring capoeira to your school in London
Senzala London is passionate about sharing capoeira with new generations and creating positive experiences through the art.
If your school is planning its Black History Month programme, or you’re looking for an engaging cultural workshop for schools in London, we’d love to hear from you.
Book a school capoeira workshop
Interested in bringing capoeira to your school?
Get in touch with Senzala London to find out more about our capoeira workshops for schools in London, discuss your requirements and plan a session that works for your students.
Whether you’re looking for a Black History Month school workshop or a cultural and physical activity for another time of year, capoeira offers a unique way to learn, move and connect.