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If Cities Could Dance
Follow a Capoeirista’s Journey From the Bay Area to Brazil
Season 5
Episode 10
Ricky "Malandro" Lawson II has practiced capoeira for 25 years, traveling often to its birthplace, Salvador, Bahia, to better understand the art form’s origins, and experience the deep ancestral energy in the most African city outside of the continent. Malandro returns to share how capoeira was birthed, efforts to ban it, and the legacy of Mestre Bimba, who brought it back from near extinction.
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3:06
Jookin star G-Nerd and a younger generation of dancers spin and slide across Memphis.
3:06
Turf dancers combine abrupt, angular movements with graceful footwork.
3:34
Oaxacan diaspora keeps its culture alive in San Joaquin Valley.
3:10
Street-style dancer Moonyeka creates safe spaces for women of color and LGBTQ+ communities
2:57
Dance group R.O.O.T.S. the Movement represent their hometown with pride and power.
2:55
The street dance style elevates Chicago's South and West Sides communities.
5:13
The Sampson Brothers perform at the starting place of the American Indian Movement.
2:51
Frankie Lee Peterson III draws inspiration from the Town's African-American history.
3:14
In this East San Jose style, arms move and lock, while feet glide across the pavement
3:18
Moves like the "crazy legs" and the "spongebob" came out of the city's 90s nightclub scene
3:02
Aerialist Jack StockLynn's choreographed "dance in the sky" defies gender roles.
2:52
Imagine a version of 'La La Land' filmed amongst the lesser-known landmarks of LA