OAKLAND GARDEN SCHOOL
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.
PROGRAM DETAILS
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) has been training in Capoeira since 2019 and teaching children ages 4–10 across the Bay Area since 2020. A lifelong athlete with 10+ years of gymnastics and acrobatic training, Cigarra brings a gentle, safety-centered approach that helps children explore movement with curiosity, confidence, and joy.
As a member of the Axé Oakland community and leadership, Cigarra brings a culturally rooted teaching approach shaped by lived experience, formal training, and a deep respect for Capoeira’s values of human expression, freedom, and resilience.
Cigarra holds degrees from Columbia (BA) and Yale Universities (MBA) and was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (Social Entrepreneurship) for their work supporting communities.
SUMMER ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
Families may choose the enrollment option that best fits their needs. Semester enrollment is strongly encouraged to support continuity, skill development, and encourage a cohesive group experience for students.
Best overall value for consistent participation and learning progression
SAVE $85 V DROP-IN
Covers 9 summer classes
Billed once; Guaranteed spot for the full session
Discounted per-class rate compared to drop-in enrollment
SAVE UP TO $50/MONTH
Covers 4-5 classes per month
Billed monthly
Ideal for students who want to try Capoeira or attend occasionally.
GREAT FOR FLEXIBLITY ! ! !
Billed on a class by class basis
Enrollment Notes:
Oakland Garden School programming is facilitated in partnership with Axé Oakland. Registration fees are processed and administered independently.
All payments are processed securely via Stripe and paid directly to the instructor
Enrollment options are subject to available space
Refunds, Cancellations & Program Changes:
Refunds by Enrollment Type
-
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.
-
Monthly enrollment may be canceled before the next billing cycle to avoid future charges.
No refunds are issued for a month once that month’s payment has been processed.
Enrollment remains active through the end of the paid month.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.)
-
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.