Contra Mestre Rachel
I began my Capoeira journey in 2007, taking my first steps into the roda with Prof. Anthony Lagartixa (Capoeira Ca’ Pra Gente, Guildford), a graduate of the London School of Capoeira. My path soon continued under the guidance of Mestre Silvia Bazzarelli and Mestre Marcos Dos Santos of the London School of Capoeira, both graduates of Mestre Sombra (Associação de Capoeira Senzala de Santos, Brazil). Within the London School of Capoeira, I discovered and embraced a Capoeira that is fluid, versatile, and open — yet always rigorous and effective. For me, dialogue has always been at the heart of the game. It is a style that, to this day, continues to move me physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Over the years, I trained extensively in the UK, Europe and had the chance to visit Brazil, learning from masters of international calibre and deepening my understanding of the art.My Capoeira journey also crossed into the arts, performing for institutions including the BBC, The British Museum and the Brazilian Embassy in London. Directed by Mestre Silvia Bazzarelli, I took the stage with Passo Co (LSC) in productions such as Waterloo 3 (Arts Depot Theatre, London) and Long Haul (Rich Mix, London).In 2015 I returned to Italy carrying with me the experience, discipline, and vision developed within the London School of Capoeira.Under the supervision of the LSC Mestres, and together with my husband Prof. Andrew Tilling, I founded LSC Capoeira Herança Italia — the first school of this lineage in Parma, Italy.
As a Capoeira practitioner and teacher, my intention is to share a Capoeira that is alive, intelligent, and accessible, while remaining true to its roots and depth. Teaching demands strength, patience, and resilience, yet what we receive in return is often far greater than what we give. Today, I continue to train, teach, and nurture the Capoeira community in Italy, building bridges between traditions, countries, and generations. I feel blessed to have Capoeira in my life and to be able to contribute to amplify its impact.
Contra Mestre Caterina
Professor Denny began training capoeira in 2004, and from his first ginga felt like he had come home. Mesmerized by the acrobatics of the game, he quickly found a level of fitness and conditioning that his body had been crying out for. Soon, he was training four times a week at the LSC, discovering a sense of purpose, belonging, and peace in the community his mestres - M. Silvia and M. Marcos- had created there. He was captivated by the playful depths of the art form; engrossed in a world of movement, games, songs and histories. This was medicine, and capoeira became as much a spiritual practice as a physical one, drawing him into a profound love and appreciation for the art, as well as for the language, cultures and peoples of Brazil.
In bringing capoeira to London, M.Silvia and M.Marcos have been transformational to the lives of a great many. P. Denny is humbled to be their student, and to be entrusted with his friends to continue the legacy of two of capoeira’s great masters. After many years of study, P. Denny opened LSC Brockley in south-east London in 2023. Drawing on his mestres’ teachings, and his experiences as both capoeirista and educator, P. Denny’s classes are fun and energetic, inviting all kinds of people of all levels of fitness to find the same joy and challenge in Capoeira that he has.
P. Denny’s game reflects his personality; strong, fluid and just a little mischievous. The journey has been long but, testament to his commitment and his mestres’ patience, you’ll see him now in the roda; cartwheeling proud, singing loud, and bringing all the energy he can find. As he tells his students; ‘Ginga like you mean it!’
Professor Denny
After a decade working in the performing arts and avoiding sports at all costs, Andrew felt it was time for a change. One day, while watching a Capoeira demonstration in the park, he was struck by how much everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, regardless of shape, size, age, or gender. There was something special about it.
Together with his wife, Caterina, he began training under Professor Lagartixa, Capoeira Cá Pra Gente, in Guildford. After two years of dedicated practice, they moved to London to join the London School of Capoeira, where Andrew trained under the guidance of Mestre Marcos and Mestre Silvia.
Through Capoeira, Andrew learned to push himself beyond his perceived limits, express himself through movement, and discover his own sense of connection within the game. As he progressed into the higher belts, his journey eventually led him to Italy, where he established LSC Capoeira Herança Italia alongside Contra Mestre Caterina. Today, he teaches there as part of the school's growing community.
Professor Andrew's approach to teaching Capoeira is centred on facilitation: helping people develop their foundation and bring themselves into the game. From there, the roda becomes the teacher.
Every now and then, Andrew feels the pull of his former life in theatre. But after a single game in the roda, he is reminded why he chose this path. When you discover an art form that challenges, inspires, and connects people in such a complete way, it's hard to imagine anything else taking its place.