Our Story
Afro Brazil Arts History
Founded in 1991 by Michael Goldstein and June Mapp, Afro Brazil Arts' (ABA) mission is to inspire leadership, community and wellness through capoeira and Afro Brazilian music and dance.
Michael, a capoeirista, and June, a dancer, brought their youth focused programs, classes and performances to children and teens in the NY area and beyond.
ABA, through its academy and school programs, brings the beauty, wisdom, and culture of capoeira to people of all ages.
For over 30 years, under Michael’s leadership, ABA continues to be a pioneer and leader introducing young people to the art of capoeira in NY area schools.
Michael, AKA Mestre Ombrinho, opened NY Mindful Capoeira Academy in 1989 to teach capoeira for people of all ages.
Our New Executive Director
Omi Hill, known in the capoeira world as Mestre Omi, is Afro Brazil Art’s new Executive and Artistic Director.
He has dedicated over 30 years to practicing capoeira and enriching the lives of people of all ages through his leadership of capoeira programs.
Mestre Omi is widely respected for his capoeira skills and knowledge—especially for his ability to make the art accessible to people who are experiencing it for the first time.
Under his leadership, ABA continues to introduce thousands of youth annually to capoeira.
New York Mindful Capoeira Academy
Mestre Omi is the new head instructor of Ilhe de Palmares, the Brazilian name for our group. Our capoeira academy and headquarters is based in NYC’s Lower East Side..