Building a healthy body and state of mind
Soualiga Capoeira offers an activity steeped in history, health, and self-awareness. This art form ties together fighting techniques with acrobatics, dance, and music, giving audiences awe-inspiring moments. In addition, students improve their self-esteem and social skills with the goal of nurturing a positive mind-set in society.
Instructor Jacques Heemskerk, offers classes at various afternoon programmes, weekly classes at the National Institute of Arts (NIA) and a Capoeira demonstration on the last Saturday of every month on Cyrus Wathey Square, in front of the Courthouse in Philipsburg.
What does your organization do and who is your target group?
Soualiga Capoeira, under the leadership of Jacques ‘Instructor Folha Seca’ Heemskerk since 2017, teaches and promotes the Afro-Brazilian art-form of Capoeira, in all its historical, cultural and aesthetic context, on St. Maarten and in the region.
Capoeira is an art-form where fighting techniques are combined with acrobatics, dance and music. Beautiful round kicks to straight targeted direct kicks, from acrobatic cartwheels to flowing close to the ground movements. Soualiga Capoeira fosters a sense of discipline, togetherness, self-development and community building for all people of any age group.
How does your organization contribute to a better St. Maarten for all?
Since its inception in 2002, Soualiga Capoeira has welcomed many regional and international meets during our yearly “encounters and batizados”. In addition, Soualiga Capoeira has offered programmes to various schools and afternoon programmes that nurture and develop the foundation of self-confidence and self-exploration through movement, music, and history. Students will improve their self-awareness and social skills with the goal of nurturing a positive mind-set in society.
Give examples of activities you usually host or have hosted to achieve your organization's goals?
Due Hurricane Irma and the pandemic, Soualiga Capoeira has been unable to host its yearly event. However, we are planning to host a small event in the near future. In 2004 and 2006, Soualiga Capoeira created a few stage productions showcasing the incredible talent on the island as well as sharing the rich culture of Brazil with St. Maarten. Members of Soualiga Capoeira travelled around the world participating in various workshops and events. In 2021, members participated in one of NIA’s Black Box events, curating “Expression of Freedom”, a celebration of freedom, movement and Capoeira. A demonstration is held on the last Saturday of every month on Cyrus Wathey Square.
What message would you like to send out to the community to support your group's goals?
With the current need for diverse activities that promote inclusion for all, Capoeira is beneficial for everyone, no matter the age or ability. Capoeira has it all!
How can someone sign up to volunteer or support your organisation?
Persons can support our organization by becoming a student, donating to our foundation or sponsoring one of our students and/ or events. Organisations can support our foundation by supporting our school programmes and events. We are willing to discuss our programmes with all organisations.
Contact Person: Jacques Heemskerk
Contact Number: +17215240023
Contact Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Facebook Page address: https://www.facebook.com/groups/soualigacapoeira/
