ABADÁ-Capoeira Visalia

Mestra Márcia “Cigarra” (Márcia Treidler), originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is the founder and artistic director of ABADÁ-Capoeira San Francisco.

Mestra Cigarra is one of the eight capoeiristas out of more than 50,000 international ABADÁ-Capoeira members to hold the title of "Mestre/a".  She is the first female student of Mestre Camisa to be awarded this rank. Because capoeira was a male-dominated art form for more than 300 years, Mestra Cigarra’s achievements have cleared the path for other women to excel.

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Mestra Cigarra began studying capoeira in 1982 under Mestre Camisa. In 1987, she began to conduct classes for street children, youth, and adults in Rio de Janeiro. In 1991, Mestra Cigarra moved to the U.S. and, in 1997, was granted legal permanent residency as an “alien of extraordinary ability.” That same year, she founded the ACSF Brazilian Arts Center.

Her outstanding achievements make her a highly sought-after teacher, an inspirational leader, and an important role model, and she continues to provide a safe and affirming environment for adults, youth, and families in the Bay Area to learn and grow.

Mestra Cigarra maintains international recognition for her accomplishments in the field and teaches regularly throughout Brazil, North America, Europe, Asia, and Israel.