Ivan Outerbridge Aims To Grow Capoeira
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Ivan Outerbridge has dedicated more than 25 years to mastering Capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art that blends elements of dance, acrobatics, music, and spirituality.
A professor of Capoeira, Outerbridge first encountered the art form while studying at George Brown College in Toronto in the late 1990s.
Intrigued by its rich African roots and expressive movements, he immersed himself in the discipline and quickly became passionate about it.
By the time he returned to Bermuda a few years later, Outerbridge, already a well-known dancer and performer, began teaching Capoeira, an art developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil as a form of self-defence disguised as dance.
“I’ve been involved in Capoeira since I was 17,” said Outerbridge, now 55.
“I’d been doing pop, contemporary dance with the United Dance Movements, and used to breakdance back in the day – the acrobatics of Capoeira were appealing to me.”
He began teaching at the Arboretum before expanding into rented spaces at Victor Scott Primary, Bermuda High School for Girls, and United Dance Productions.
At its peak, Capoeira Camara Bermuda had over 30 active members and performed regularly at Harbour Nights, festivals, schools and boxing events.
While participation has declined in recent years, Outerbridge remains committed to reviving interest.
He currently leads weekly Saturday classes at Fight City Muay Thai and Fitness on Pitts Bay Road, open to anyone aged eight and up.
He emphasises that Capoeira is accessible to all, regardless of age or athletic ability.
“I’d tell people to wipe the slate clean of terms of what they consider their own limitations,” said Outerbridge, who earned his instructor belt in Recife, the capital of Pernambuco, Brazil, in 2014.
He also plays several traditional instruments used in Capoeira performances.
“Not only will you learn the manoeuvres, but you will also learn cultural aspects of Brazil – the dance, the music,” he added.
“There is a place for everybody in Capoeira. It’s not as hard as you think.”
Capoeira Camara Bermuda will host an event at Astwood Park in Warwick on Saturday [April 19] at 1.30pm.
For more information on their classes, call Ivan Outerbridge at 599-7369.
