ABADÁ-Capoeira San Francisco’s (ACSF), mission is to preserve, develop, and share the art of Capoeira with integrity. Women-led and rooted in San Francisco’s Mission District for 30 years, ACSF uses Capoeira arts to unite and uplift diverse populations, and as a catalyst for building a healthy, just, and vibrant society in which people feel connected to and responsible for their community.
ACSF is committed to artistic excellence, and to providing accessible, inclusive, culturally authentic programs and apprenticeships led by highly-skilled artists. By exploring creative ways to share Capoeira and related arts, ACSF remains a pioneering force in the preservation and development of Brazilian arts.
ACSF helps meet our community’s need for a safe, accessible space where people of all ages and abilities can participate in meaningful activities that engage body, heart, and mind.
ACSF teaches respect for diversity, addresses socioeconomic inequities that reduce access to high-quality arts and physical programs, and provides opportunities for community members to exercise both choice and responsibility. In this way, ACSF has a profound impact on the health, culture, and social standing of the Bay Area and the lives of youth and adults served.
Programs include free and affordable arts education; cultural festivals, ceremonies, and performances; artist exchange and residency opportunities; apprenticeships and artist employment; and classes in Capoeira, dance, music, mobility and fitness.
Programs support cultural and artistic growth, inspire civic engagement and creative conflict resolution, and develop next-generation artists.
ACSF’s Capoeira Arts Center houses the performance company and instructional programs, and enlivens the neighborhood fostering improved health and cultural connectedness through participation in arts.
From grassroot beginnings, ACSF has become a cornerstone for art and culture and a model organization for Capoeira communities worldwide. In 2006, ACSF was declared by Brazil’s Minister of Culture as a “point of culture,” recognizing it as an international hub for Afro-Brazilian culture.
Background
Founded in 1991 by legendary Capoeira artist Márcia Treidler (“Mestra Cigarra”), ACSF shares its name and philosophy with its parent organization, ABADÁ-Capoeira—the Brazilian Association for the Support and Development of the Art of Capoeira. Márcia moved from Brazil at age 25 to expand Capoeira to the United States and ensure the integrity of the art was maintained during its development outside of Brazil.
Marcia teaches Capoeira with the belief that all people, given the skills and opportunity, have the ability to succeed. Her teaching aims to provide all participants, regardless of socioeconomic status, identity, or ability, the tools to become professionals in the art.
History
What began with just two Capoeira classes a week, generated an overwhelming community response and has developed into a Bay Area cornerstone for cultural arts.
In 1995, she partnered with Jennifer Walsh “Professora Sereia” (ACSF’s ED), and established ACSF as a non-profit. In 1997, Márcia was granted permanent U.S. residency after receiving a National Interest Waiver as an “Alien with Extraordinary Abilities.” That year, they opened ACSF’s first Brazilian Arts Center — the Bay Area’s first non-profit venue dedicated to Brazilian art and culture. Within two years, ACSF’s constituency grew from 600 to 10,000. ACSF outgrew its original home and relocated in 2002 to its current location at the intersection of 22nd and Mission streets.
Today, ACSF continues to provide accessible, high-quality arts programming.