The type of movement I've chosen for this project is the Brazilian martial art called Capoeira. Capoeira is the primary medium for this project as it is a spontaneous game of movement and control of space, as well as being a beautiful and breathtaking performance of agility. Capoeira is the perfect instrument to use for this project as all of the sequences of movements are learned and practised, but for the two performers within a game, their interaction is all about pure instinct and spontaneity. I believe other forms of movement could be applied to this same concept, but that they would create very different paintings and expressions of motion. My experience is with Capoeira and I think this is the most effective method to explore the multiple-stranded subject matter that I feel this work addresses. For the background to the initial concept, please see the section 'Background to the work.' Here is a detailed description of Capoeira: Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian folk-art form that involves movement, music, and elements of practical philosophy. One experiences the essence of capoeira by "playing" a physical game called jogo de capoeira (game of capoeira) or simply jogo. During this ritualized combat, two capoeiristas (players of capoeira) exchange movements of attack and defense in a constant flow while observing rituals and proper manners of the art. Both players attempt to control the space by confusing the opponent with feints and deceptive moves. During the jogo, the capoeiristas explore their strengths and weaknesses, fears and fatigue in a sometimes frustrating, but nevertheless enjoyable, challenging and constant process of personal expression, self-reflection and growth. The speed and character of the jogo are generally determined by the many different rhythms of the berimbau, a one-string musical bow, which is considered to be the primary symbol of this art form. The berimbau is complemented by the pandeiro (tambourine), atabaque (single-headed standing drum), agogo (double bell), and reco-reco (grooved segment of bamboo scraped with a stick) to form a unique ensemble of instruments. Inspiring solos and collective singing in a call-and-response dialogue join the hypnotic percussion to complete the musical ambiance for the capoeira session. The session is called roda de capoeira, literally "capoeira wheel," or simply roda. The term roda, refers to the ring of participants that defines the physical space for the two capoeiristas engaged in the ritualized combat. Capoeira was developed by Brazilian slaves of African descent (presumably taken from the Portuguese colony of Angola) some time in the 16th century. Since it was illegal for slaves to practice fighting skills, they altered native African religious dances so that when they practised their art they would appear to simply be dancing. Because these dances included manoeuvres such as handstands, back flips, and cartwheels, Capoeira is today the most acrobatic of all martial arts, with many kicks being executed from a handstand position. Its offensive techniques are primarily kicks, its defensive techniques are primarily body movements which avoid the enemy's attack all together. Only in the 20th century did the practice of Capoeira become legal in Brazil, and only in very recent years has it been taught in other countries. Text based on an extract from :: "Capoeira, Beware the Dance" www.make-your-martial-art-grow.com