Estagiária Samambaia aka Tellecia Brown may have unwittingly had a passion for Capoeira her whole life. Samambaia means Fern in Portuguese. Samambaia is the undergrowth of a forest, that after burned to the ground comes back more vigorous!
In the summer of 1999 she took her first class at the Carver Cultural Center with Instructor Esquilo Preto. The group's name at the time was Grupo Capoeira Brazil to be changed later to Capoeira Luanda, both under the guidance of Mestre Jelon Viera. Her Capoeira travels include Brazil, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, New York, Massachusetts, Florida, California, Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Washington State and various parts of Texas. For over 5 years she has taught children's classes in after school and summer programs. In June of 2010, she changed to Aruandê Capoeira under Mestre Demetrius.
Capoeira has been my vehicle to various places and a shield in difficult times in my life. The vibration of the Berimbau keeps me tied to my past, present and future. Even coming to the age of 40, I am often asked, "How do you stay so fit?". My answer, Capoeira! This African inspired art form is for anyone who can imagine themselves getting their "Ginga Swag"!