Mestra Márcia "Cigarra" Treidler: A Pillar of Capoeira and Community Empowerment in the Bay Area
Mestra Márcia "Cigarra" Treidler has made an indelible mark on the Bay Area through her 42-year journey in Capoeira, beginning her training in 1982 under Mestre Camisa, a disciple of the legendary Mestre Bimba. In the 1980s, as one of the few women in Capoeira, she broke barriers to earn respect and pioneer a path for women in this martial art. Her commitment led her to establish the Abadá-Capoeira San Francisco (ACSF) in 1991, which became a cultural hub for Brazilian arts and a platform for community empowerment.
In 1997, Márcia’s artistic contributions were nationally recognized when she became the first female artist to receive a National Interest Waiver as an "Alien with Extraordinary Abilities," granting her permanent U.S. residence. This recognition was a milestone in her career, further solidified in 2013 when she became the first woman from the ABADÁ lineage to earn the title of "Mestra," placing her among the top Capoeira practitioners globally. Her leadership extends beyond the academy; she is a revered choreographer, mentor, and advocate for gender equity in Capoeira.
Mestra Márcia's influence stretches across the Bay Area community, where she has been honored multiple times, including the KPIX Jefferson Award in 2016 and the ABC 7 Profile of Excellence Award in 2014 for her cultural contributions. Through her pioneering efforts, Márcia continues to foster a profound connection with Capoeira, promoting cultural appreciation, mentorship, and social change, thereby shaping a legacy that transcends borders and generations.
