The roda is the circle
in which capoeira is played. In fact, the capoeiristas
form a circle with a place at which the bateria is located.
The bateria is composed of those who play the instruments
and is usually made up of up to three berimbaus, an atabaque,
and two pandeiros. Usually, the teacher or master plays
the berimbau and directs the roda by intoning different
rhythms and songs, which the choir replies to (the remaining
circle). At the foot of the berimbau, two capoeiristas
meet and open the game. The players take turns, always
starting from the berimbau and relieving a player. The
game either seems fast, hard and fierce, or acrobatic,
or even slow and calm, depending on the game-type and
advancement of the capoeiristas.
