francophone charter SCHOOL of oakland
PROGRAM DETAILS
Capoeira is a dynamic Afro-Brazilian movement practice that brings together movement, music, culture, and play. Blending martial arts, dance, rhythm, and call-and-response songs, Capoeira offers kids a joyful way to move their bodies, express themselves, and learn together.
This program is designed for young learners of all skill levels. Movements are adapted so every child can participate and feel successful. Students receive individualized and affirming guidance in an environment emphasizing cooperation over competition, and presence over perfection.
Capoeira supports body and spatial awareness, balance and coordination, and self-regulation, helping children move with confidence and care. Through playful challenges and partner activities, students practice social skills like turn-taking, communication, collaboration, and empathy— that will naturally carry over into the classroom and daily life.
Music is at the heart of Capoeira. Children explore rhythm, listening, call-and-response, and expressive movement, creating space for creativity and emotional expression. Students are also introduced to basic elements of Brazilian Portuguese through songs, movement cues, and simple call-and-response, supporting early language exposure in a natural, low-stakes way.
THE INSTRUCTOR
Cigarra (Ebele Ifedigbo) brings a love of movement, music, and playful learning to every class. Cigarra has trained in capoeira since 2019 and taught children ages 2–14 across the Bay Area since 2020. A lifelong athlete with more than ten years of gymnastics and acrobatic training, Cigarra takes a gentle, safety-centered approach that gives children room to be curious, try something new, and feel proud of their progress.
Cigarra trains with Mestre Chipa as part of Axé Oakland’s teacher development pipeline. Cigarra’s teaching combines formal training and lived experience with a deep respect for capoeira’s Afro-Brazilian roots and values of expression, freedom, and resilience. Playful challenges and shared music help children build confidence in expressing themselves through their bodies while connecting with a living cultural tradition they can carry throughout their lives.
Cigarra holds a BA from Columbia University and an MBA from Yale University, and was recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 in Social Entrepreneurship for work supporting communities. Current study in SAND Institute’s Liberation Psychology Course for Community Educators strengthens Cigarra’s commitment to honoring children’s identities and lived experiences while nurturing cultural connection and belonging.
Cigarra’s name means “cicada” in Portuguese—an ancient insect known for its unmistakable song and cycles of growth and emergence. The name reflects the spirit Cigarra brings to teaching: encouraging children to grow at their own pace, discover their own voices, and find personal joy in movement and rhythm.
ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
Best value for consistent learning progression
SAVE $45 *
8 classes; Billed once
Ideal for students who want to try Capoeira or attend occasionally
FLEXIBLE OPTION
Enrollment Notes:
Capoeira programming at FCSO is facilitated in partnership with Axé Oakland.
Registration fees are processed and administered independent of FCSO.
All payments are processed securely via Stripe and paid directly to the instructor.
Enrollment options are subject to available space; classes generally capped at 15-20 students.
Refunds, Cancellations & Program Changes:
Refunds by Enrollment Type
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Full refunds are available if cancellation is requested at least 14 days before the program start date.
50% refund is available if cancellation is requested 7–13 days before the start date.
No refunds are issued for cancellations within 7 days of the program start date or after the program has begun.
Once the program begins, registration fees are considered committed in order to cover instructional time, preparation, and fixed program costs.
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In Classes
Drop-in payments are non-refundable.
If a class is canceled by the instructor, families may choose between:
a full refund, or
a credit toward a future class.
Cancellations & Program Changes
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If a class or the full program is canceled by the instructor:
Families will receive a full refund for any unused sessions, or
May opt to receive a credit if a make-up or alternative session is offered.
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Missed classes due to illness, travel, or scheduling conflicts are not refundable.
Make-up classes are not guaranteed, but may be offered at the instructor’s discretion when feasible (we will do our best to accommodate.)
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This policy allows our cultural arts program to remain financially sustainable while honoring families’ need for clarity and predictability.
Tuition secures a student’s place in a limited-capacity program and supports consistent instruction for the full group.