About Us

Who We Are

At Arte Pura Capoeira, we are passionate about bringing the art, culture, and energy of Capoeira to people of all ages and abilities. From its rich Brazilian roots, Capoeira combines movement, music, and martial arts into an inspiring practice that builds strength, confidence, and community.
Founded on August 29, 2003, in Lisbon, Portugal, by André Luiz Vieira, Arte Pura is dedicated to making a better world through education, body movement, and the musicality of Brazilian culture. Our goal is to create and empower individuals as citizens in Brazil and Europe, fostering a positive impact on society and helping to shape a truly better world.

Our Mission

Our mission is to inspire and empower individuals of all ages through the art and culture of Capoeira. We are committed to preserving its rich heritage while fostering a sense of community, confidence, and self-expression in every student.

Our Values

Community: Building a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Culture: Honoring and sharing the rich traditions and history of Capoeira with respect and authenticity.
Growth: Encouraging personal development through physical, mental, and emotional challenges.
Fun: Ensuring every class and event is filled with energy, joy, and creativity.
Excellence: Delivering high-quality teaching and inspiring students to achieve their best.

OUR TEAM

André Vieira

Born in Recife, Brazil, in 1975, André Luiz Vieira (E.T. Arte Pura) is a renowned Capoeira master and expert in Brazilian dance and percussion. He is the founder of Associação Arte Pura Capoeira, Percussão e Danças Brasileiras, an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Brazil’s rich cultural heritage. With over 40 years of experience in Capoeira, André began his journey in Pernambuco, Brazil, in 1983. For more than 25 years, he has been teaching Capoeira worldwide, inspiring students across Portugal, Brazil, Spain, and England. His dedication to the art has taken him to 44 countries, where he has built a diverse, inclusive community, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together to experience the power of Brazilian culture through movement, music, and education.
Founded on August 29, 2003, in Lisbon, Portugal, by André Luiz Vieira, Arte Pura is dedicated to making a better world through education, body movement, and the musicality of Brazilian culture. Our goal is to create and empower individuals as citizens in Brazil and Europe, fostering a positive impact on society and helping to shape a truly better world.

Ingrid santos

Born in Maceió, Brazil, in 1991, Ingrid Santos is a passionate dancer and Capoeira instructor with a deep connection to the performing arts. She graduated from Escola Superior de Dança in Lisbon, where she honed her skills in various dance styles, from Brazilian folk dances and African rhythms to ballet, modern, and contemporary dance. Her love for movement began in childhood, fueled by her enthusiasm for quadrilhas juninas and brass bands. In 2012, she discovered Capoeira under the guidance of Mestre E.T. (André Luiz Vieira) in Portugal. Captivated by its fluid movements and cultural richness, she has since dedicated herself to studying and teaching this powerful art form, blending her diverse dance background with the rhythm and philosophy of Capoeira.
Founded on August 29, 2003, in Lisbon, Portugal, by André Luiz Vieira, Arte Pura is dedicated to making a better world through education, body movement, and the musicality of Brazilian culture. Our goal is to create and empower individuals as citizens in Brazil and Europe, fostering a positive impact on society and helping to shape a truly better world.

Watch Our Story Unfold

Explore some of our best moments through the last years:

Our Journey Since 2003

For over 20 years, Arte Pura Capoeira has been sharing the art, culture, and energy of Capoeira with communities around the world. From local classes to international festivals, our passion for movement, music, and tradition has only grown stronger.

2nd Arte Pura Capoeira Festival – October 2004, Lisbon, Portugal.

Capoeira dance performance at Musidanças, the Festival of Lusophone Communities, representing Brazil. Held in September 2005 at Santiago Alquimista, Lisbon, Portugal.

RTP Report – Programa Nós (Feb 2006) featuring Arte Pura’s work in Portugal – Part 1

RTP Report – Programa Nós (Feb 2006) featuring Arte Pura’s work in Portugal – Part 2

Viva Capoeira International Festival 2006 – Hosted by Arte Pura Capoeira | 4-7 May, Lisbon, portugal

Growing Through Movement – A Journey of Classes, Events & Baptisms, Celebrating the Energy and Spirit of Our Children.

A Journey Through Time: Memories from Past Arte Pura Capoeira Events.

Capoeira dance performance at Armazén F. (2009), Lisbon, Portugal.

Epic Capoeira Roda: Paraíba, E.T., and Kiko in Action – XI Festival Arte Pura (2013), Lisbon, Portugal.

What is Capoeira?

Discover the Art of Capoeira

Capoeira is more than just a martial art—it’s a vibrant cultural expression that blends movement, music, and history. Originating in Brazil, this Afro-Brazilian tradition is both a physical and artistic discipline that has captured the hearts of people around the world.