Meet Dani Da Silva | Maculele Capoeira Atlanta Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dani Da Silva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dani, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of Capoeira Maculelê Atlanta is our deep-rooted commitment to community, culture, and transformation. For over 50 years, our family has taught Capoeira not just as a martial art, but as a tool for empowerment; physically, mentally, and culturally. We create a safe space where people of all ages and backgrounds feel seen, supported, and connected.

Our success comes from staying true to the heart of Capoeira: building resilience, honoring Afro-Brazilian heritage, and fostering unity. Whether it’s a child gaining confidence, an adult finding purpose, or a family discovering joy through movement, we measure our success by the lives we impact.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Capoeira is more than just an art it’s a living expression of resistance, culture, community, and transformation. At Capoeira Maculelê Atlanta, we teach Capoeira as a dynamic blend of martial arts, music, dance, acrobatics, and Afro-Brazilian history. But what truly sets us apart is how deeply rooted we are in using Capoeira as a tool for empowerment and belonging.

We’re proud to be a Latino family-led school with over two decades of service in the Atlanta area, carrying forward the legacy of our teachers, Mestre Fran and Mestra Sara. What excites us most is seeing how Capoeira transforms lives how shy kids become confident leaders, how adults reconnect with their bodies and culture, how families build lifelong friendships in our community.

Getting here wasn’t easy. As with any small, community-focused business, we’ve faced plenty of challenges. But we stayed true to our purpose, leaned on our community, and found creative ways to keep going. We’ve learned that consistency, heart, and staying connected to your why can get you through just about anything.

What we want the world to know is this: Capoeira is for everyone. You don’t need to be flexible, fluent in Portuguese, or have any martial arts experience. You just need an open heart. Our school is a safe space and growth is possible for anyone!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d kick things off with a stroll through Decatur Square exploring the local shops, bookstores, and colorful street art that give the neighborhood its charm. Of course, they’d have to come train Capoeira with us at Capoeira Maculelê Atlanta there’s no better way to experience the heart of our community. After class, we’d refuel with Brazilian food at Minas Grill or Goianão. And if there’s a roda that night, we’d be there in Downtown Decatur celebrating with music, movement, and the kind of energy you can only find in Capoeira.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Mestre Fran and Mestra Sara, the founders of Maculelê Capoeira. They have been our mentors, teachers, and guiding lights embodying what it means to lead with purpose, humility, and heart. Mestre Fran and Mestra Sara’s unwavering commitment to making Capoeira accessible to all especially underserved youth has profoundly shaped our mission and the way we serve our community at Capoeira Maculelê Atlanta.

Website: https://capoeiratlanta.com/

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