Is it a quantity surveillance report? Is it a tax return? No! Its…
Bate Palmas’ Annual – 2009: The Year In Review
*Cue Applause*
That’s right ladies and gentlemen! For the last few years you’ve enjoyed reading and reminiscing along with your glorious friend and teacher Bate Palmas – and this year’s no different. Except for the fact that a significant portion of it did not include us together. Still, he’s scraped what he could together, torn away at the nonsense, written in the third person and put together what can only be described as the next volume in the archives of succinct CDC reporting.
So sit back, relax, have a sandwich (two if you’re fat), and enjoy:
January
Class starts again, again. The first of many entertainment entities to contact us – CLEO magazine print photos and interviews with Contramestre Curajao (Lucas Mthenjane) and studente Branco (Sazi Ngcobo), lending credence to our entirely equal black and white policy – there is no space for racism or racial quotas at CDC.
February
Sad for the Vaalies, Venerable Casa Da Capoeira co-founder and Zumba enthusiast Contramestre Curajao (Lucas Mthenjane) moves down to Cape Town. It’s a massive acquisition for our brothers down there – because, you know, great weather, beautiful beaches and Table Mountain aren’t enough for them J . We wish them and Lucas nothing but the best.
March
Coke Zero Israel approaches Casa Da Capoeira about using some students in a TV advert. Loads of pain and anguish later, the advert is produced, featuring our very own Nik-Nak, Caneta and Branco as acrobatic football experts. Should the ad ever flight in SA, CDC stands to make a lot of money.
April
It’s another old favourite of this writer’s – Lusito Land ‘09! This year’s extravaganza was wildly successful despite the lack of Mestre Paulo. And once again, it features a stellar combination of maculele, Angola and regional. Loads of caiparinha is had, rides are ridden and Perdido affirms his status as the funnest drunk in the universe.
May
It becomes abundantly clear that plans to visit Brazil will be negated due to a worldwide economic recession. Rather, a trip to Mozambique will take place and a batizado will be held later in the year. Steven Slotow turns 27.
June
Major efforts are made to put a portfolio together featuring some of CDC’s top students. With great thanks to Bailarinho and Russel Grant, professional shots are meshed together in a really useful way and for the first time, CDC has a tangible tool to distribute to entertainment agents to get ourselves more work. Also, the new website is finally launched.
July
Bate Palmas accepts a job offer as rockstar in Portugal and heads off for 4 months. Yes, CdC begins to mourn. Meanwhile, Lucas sets up his own studio in Cape Town.
August
Pingo’s planned trip to Mozambique is brought to fruition. It’s greatly successful. Over 30 students attend and judging from the photographs it’s everything the trip to Brazil would have been and more – ie, drinking, bonding, making new friends and loads and loads of Capoeira. Here’s hoping we get to Brazil in the new year.
September
CDC’s main class/headquarters are moved from Corinthians to Stoneridge. It’s a fine venue indeed with a concrete floor, wallwide mirrors and pole dancing side entertainment. Samsao also switches venues to the fantastic Lifestyle Centre in Randburg. Andrew Beck assumes control of the CDC website (www.capoeirasa.co.za ) and thankfully, it’s never been better. Expect loads of photos, stories and articles to appear.
October
BATIZADO! It’s everyone’s favourite Rio-born-and-bred Capoeira extraordinaire and dancing sensation Mestre Carlinhos who accompanies Mestre Bogado this time round. 6 weeks at various stops around the country and loads of workshops later, the entourage leaves South Africa with 2 new mestres – Estivador and Bamboo, and 2 new Professors – Samsao and Bem Ti Vi. CDC is particularly proud and Piolho particularly pleased to host some esteemed Capoeristas from Southern Africa – including Edinho and Mosquito. It’s possibly CDC’s largest, most successful batizado, and a revered one at that.
November
Bate Palmas returns to SA for the month of November. A tearjerking farewell at the airport, Mestres Bogado and Carlinhos sadly head back to Brazil. A successful show takes place at the Lusito school. Sting and Tuim hold consecutive dress-up parties over two weekends that leave this writer and others chlorine-infested.
December
Bate Palmas heads off indefinitely to London. Summer camp is postponed for early next year which will surely herald yet another year of magnificent Capoeira, parties, friendship and stories that other groups can only envy.
Here’s to 2010!
Roda Magazine
