The Studio

Founder of Capoeira Brasil Arizona, Formanda Borboleta has taught Capoeira for over 20 years in the valley.

Borboleta,  also known as Angelique Starks, started her physical career as a showgirl for David Cassidy's acclaimed Las Vegas production "EFX."  Shortly afterward, she discovered the art of Capoeira while living in New York. She began training under the instruction of Mestre Caxias as well as under the supervision of Mestre Boneco in Los Angeles. Embracing her newfound passion, Borboleta excelled quickly over the years, and her love and devotion to the art soon reached a level where she was ready to begin teaching students of her own.  Returning to the state  where she was born and raised, Borboleta currently supervises Arizona's  leading Capoeira institution, Grupo Capoeira Brasil Arizona

Native to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Mestre Caxias(Alex Filadelfo), has been studying, practising & playing Capoeira for more than 30 years. He is the founder of the New York branch of Grupo Capoeira Brasil where he taught for 17 years. During his time in NYC, Mestre Caxias taught capoeira at various schools and universities and has been a guest teacher in various international capoeira festivals throughout the world.

Mestre Caxias has also performed in famous art venues, such as the Lincoln Center in NYC. Mestre Caxias established additional branches for his group in various cities in the US as well as Pune in India and Natal in the northeast of Brazil.

In 2010, Mestre Caxias moved to the UAE and founded Capoeira Arte Brasil Organization and ever since he has been dedicated to spreading this unique sport all over town. Mestre Caxias devotes all his mornings to teaching in various schools, as part of physical education or after school programs. Mestre Caxias is very committed in promoting a healthy lifestyle by teaching how children and adults can get fit while having fun.