Students attending the Portuguese demonstration were confronted with the unusual sight of capoeira dancers outside the Senate House. Originally created as a martial art by the African slave population of 16th century Brazil, it is part of a tradition of fight-dances. In these dances, members of a certain group would engage in skilful, non-violent combat to music, with the ultimate prize of a partner for the victor. The dance itself is distinguished by acrobatic movements, and competitive tactics, while the accompanying music can vary wildly in style and tempo.

Capoeira was banned in Brazil in 1890 when it became associated with movements against the government. The art continued underground with secret venues holding covert dances. Players were forced to adopt pseudonyms, as the punishment for participation was the severing of the tendons in the back of their feet.

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