We are honored to welcome special guests Professora Sereia and Professor Ferrugem to our Batizado. Both are remarkable capoeira practitioners and champions, and their presence will undoubtedly inspire us all.

Fernando Nascimento da Cruz (“Professor Ferrugem”) is an internationally-recognized ambassador, competitor, performer and sought-after instructor of the martial art of capoeira. He has been studying and playing capoeira since 1997. He has been teaching capoeira in Brazil for over 20 years. He has trained with Mestre Camisa since 2009. He is a three-time champion of the ABADÁ Jogos Mundiais (2019, 2021 and 2023). He also is a three-time champion of the ABADÁ Jogos Brasileiros. He is a seven-time champion of the ABADÁ San Paulo state games. In addition to his teaching work, Ferrugem currently coordinates capoeira-based social projects in the communities of Abataguaçú, Vila Mariana and Perpetua Socorro in Brazil.

Join us for Youth in Arts’ 3rd Annual C Street Celebration, a FREE Community Festival of Creativity on May 18, 2024, from 11am to 4pm. Featuring student music and dance performances, family art workshops, face painting, and delicious local food and drink. Don’t miss the full-length ‘Til Dawn a cappella concert and the premiere of "A Splash of Color," a student-created documentary. We’re thrilled to celebrate the amazing partnership between Professor Prego, Instrutora Ciranda, and Youth in Arts, making a huge impact on our community. This isn’t just a performance; it’s a celebration of our incredible collaboration. Bring your family and friends for a day of fun and creativity!

Capoeira Performance will be at 2:00pm!!

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We are thrilled to announce that Mestra Edna will be joining us as a special guest, bringing her unparalleled expertise and passion to our community. Mestra Edna, a pioneering figure in Capoeira, has a rich history of breaking barriers and inspiring practitioners worldwide. Her presence promises to elevate our events and provide invaluable learning experiences for all attendees.

Mestra Edna

During Black History Month in February 2000, Edna Lima received a formal proclamation from the New York City Council for her outstanding contributions to the community. Introduced to Capoeira at age 12 in Brasília, she trained with Instrutor Dentinho and later Mestre Tabosa, adding Karate to her regimen the following year. Overcoming the challenges of being one of the few women in the sport, she traveled across Brazil for workshops and rodas. In 1981, Edna became the first female Capoeira Mestre under Mestre Tabosa, earned a Black Belt in Shotokan Karate, and graduated with a degree in Physical Education. By 1997, she was the first female master in ABADÁ-Capoeira, receiving her Mestranda title from Mestre Camisa and Grand Mestre Camisa Roxa. In 1999, she attained her Godan, fifth-degree black belt, from Sensei Okazaki and joined ISKF. With over 30 years of experience, Edna conducts workshops and leads Batizados globally, while accumulating numerous Karate titles and participating in the Cultural Olympics in Greece in 2003. She developed Capoeira Workout®, gaining worldwide recognition and scientific validation, and has taught Capoeira at Long Island University and the Wingate Institute. Celebrating her 35th anniversary in the US and 49th in Capoeira in 2023.