Capoeira originally started off as a martial art that slaves used to practice in order to fuel their want for freedom. Even though it was disguised as a dance, it was still banned all across Brazil and was prohibited by the Brazilian Penal Code. The word “capoeirista” ended up becoming a synonym for outlaw or bandit. Many things have changed about Capoeira but many things have also stayed the same. The style of dancing still involves many moves and maneuvers that are similar to martial arts such as kicks and flips and cartwheels. But the general idea of it is completely different. Instead of yearning for freedom, the Brazilian people just practice the dance out of fun. The types of people who perform Capoeira is different too, instead of mainly just African slaves practicing the dance, people of many different ethnicities take part in the dance. Overall I believe that the changes are good because no one is enslaved anymore and it reaches a wider audience.

“The Washerwoman’s Branle” is another form of dancing that changed as time progressed. It was originally meant to mimic the movements of a woman washing clothes. When it was initially created, it was considered cultural and people looked fondly upon people who could perform it. As the years went on however, it did not age very well. Nowadays it isn’t held as highly as it used to be and it isn’t practiced as frequently anymore either. I believe the changes are a bit negative due to the drop in popularity and cultural significance.