Our Teachers

Professora Rouxinol

Professora Rouxinol is a dedicated practitioner and teacher of Capoeira Angola under the lineage of Mestre Cabello of Barracão D’Angola. As the founder of Angola BKLYN, she brings three decades of experience in Capoeira to her teaching, blending movement, music, ritual, and resistance into a transformative, embodied practice.

With deep respect for the African roots of Capoeira and its legacy of resilience, Rouxinol invites students to develop strength, awareness, and rhythm through the dynamic language of the game. Her classes center community, culture, and self-discovery—offering a space where people of all backgrounds can train, connect, and grow.

Mestre Cabello

Mestre Cabello is an experienced master of Capoeira Angola & disciple of the great Mestre João Grande, ethnomusicologist Professora Emilia Biancardi and master drummer Jorge Alabé. Originally from Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil, Mestre Cabello has dedicated the last 20 of his 40 years in the art to cultivating Capoeira Angola in Serra Grande, Brazil and around the world. He casts an attentive and respectful look at the codes and the rich repository of musicality, tuning, ritual and movement left by the old masters from the 1940's, 50's and 60’s via audio recordings, texts, photos and drawings. Seen through these lenses, the study of Afro-Brazilian culture is of vital importance to the recognition, understanding and appreciation of a complete capoeirista. Mestre Cabello approaches Capoeira Angola as a sustainable and nourishing practice for our whole selves: body, mind and spirit.

"Rouxinol’s capoeira classes will not only improve your strength, balance and focus, but help you connect to your spirit and a community practice. She takes the time and care to study your technique and movement truly seeing you and helping you develop your skills and style. Class closes with everyone singing together and practicing playing capoeira instruments. You can feel a depth and seriousness of study in how Rouxinol approaches all aspects of capoeira."

— Ellen B., Adult Literacy Specialist
"I love doing Ana’s classes! She pays such attention to detail, no matter how many students are in the class. Her classes helped me immensely during the pandemic, a source of routine and family during these times, in which I felt I was improving both my Capoeira and my mobility, and always with a sense of humor. I have never laughed so much while trying such hard moves, and still felt totally safe trying them! Ana is a great teacher, on and off screen.”

— Danielle B.
“Since the first time I saw Rouxinol play capoeira, I knew I wanted to learn from her. It’s not only her skill in movement, but the way she speaks about the art, how passionate she is, and the deep respect she has for the many aspects of capoeira. She’s a natural leader who pushes you to uncover what you’re capable of, in a safe and welcoming environment, where community is created. Maybe most importantly, she reminds us to train, and train with joy.”

— Kimberly T., Web Designer