Brazilian Portuguese and Arts

Claudia Lyra is the owner, teacher and artistic director at BRAPA. She has brought Brazilian culture to others since she moved to U.S.A in 2003. From São Paulo growing up in Londrina, Brazil , she has been studying at a Master's Program at San Diego State University in Bilingual Education and her favorite subject so far is - Foundation of Democratic Schooling. With a strong awareness of the connection between the mind and the body - music and movement - she has developed programs engaging her audience of all ages to learn and experience Brazilian rhythms, dances, stories other than Portuguese Language, in a very interactive and kinesthetic way. 

She brought to USA her BA in Psychology; Certification as an Expressive Arts Practitioner and Teaching Artist; a Certification as English Teacher acknowledged by Michigan University; and Portuguese by Startalk program; fifteen years of Capoeira (a Brazilian Art Form that can be practiced as a martial art, a dance, a music style and as history) which has been a valuable tool regarding education and the healing process, plus a lot of curiosity regarding different cultures and languages. 

She also brought her passion for the Traditional drums which she has studied with renown Mestres throughout Brazil and USA.  Pandeiro (all kinds of Brazilian Rhythms),  Berimbau (and al percussion used for Capoeira), Alfaia and agbê (Maracatu Rhythm), Caixas do Maranhao (Cacuria and coco rhythms), zabumba (baiao, xote), cajon (peruvian/Spanish instrument) are the instruments she practiced often and performs.