Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Seminars and Workshops
Timeline

Fabio Cosmo Da Cunha - Mestre Lobinho

It's A Small World
YPSILANTI,MI
3
Languages
1
Certification
2027
years of professional experience

Capoeira Mestre with a focus on embodied practice of Brazilian Afro-Diasporic practices. My approach to these art forms is a holistic one, aiming to preserve and transmit the complex intersection of all the elements that comprise them. More specifically, fostering the connection that comes from a common grammar where movement, music, dance, martial arts, and history are not separate concepts, but rather, are all part of a deeper and unique expression that resulted from the need to resist oppressive systems on bodies and minds.

Work History

Lecturer I

2 Years 7 Months
University of Michigan, Department of Dance | 01.2024 - Current
  • Developed and delivered engaging curriculum for dance students with Capoeira and other Afro-Brazilian art forms such as Maculelê.
  • Collaborated in different programs hosted by the Department of Dance such as the MPulse summer project.
  • Provided knowledge of Capoeira movement elements to foster students' creativity on how to incorporate these in their dance and choregraphy practices.
  • Organized community events hosted in the Department of Dance facilities and included dance undergraduate and graduate students as part of the performances and Capoeira graduation ceremonies of the event.
  • Implemented innovative teaching methods to improve course delivery and student participation such as including Capoeira etiquette and the fundaments of the Capoeira Circle, including live music, to the classes.
  • Collaborated with faculty and staff in other classes and activities open to students across U-M such as Capoeira classes organized by LACS to promote Brazilian culture and Portuguese language.
  • Participated in Capoeira and Afro-Brazilian Dance events in the U.S. an abroad for recruitment purposes.

CEO, Co-founder, and Lead Instructor

11 Years 2 Months
Brazilian Michigan Cultural Center | 06.2015 - Current
  • Imparted continuous Capoeira and other Afro-Brazilian art expression classes for all leves and all ages.
  • Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance cultural programming and community engagement.
  • Fostered partnerships with members of the community to promote Brazilian culture through events and workshops.
  • Offered the Cultural Center space for other art forms for teachers of other disciplines to teach classes.
  • Managed Finances, Marketing, and everything related to administrative and fiscal tasks for the functioning of the Center.
  • Led a diverse team, and mentoring programs for new instructors of different ages and opened spaces for them to develop their own classes.
  • Analyzed community feedback to refine services and improve visitor experience at the center.
  • Coordinated fundraising initiatives with different local partners, strengthening financial support for cultural projects through grant writing and donor relations.
  • Organized two annual events to bring a diverse array of guest teachers and instructors from U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and other countries as well.

Capoeira Teacher

The U School | 2017 - Current
  • Developed Capoeira classes for Pre-K students throughout the academic year.
  • Organized annual graduation ceremonies for students to receive their Capoeira belts in an interactive event with their teachers and parents.

Capoeira Teacher

Bottles and BackPacs | 2021 - Current
  • Provided continuous Capoeira classes for Pre-K students throughout the academic year.

Capoeira Teacher

Clonlara | 2018 - Current
  • Developed Capoeira extra-curricular classes catered for a project-based institution for Pre-K-12 students
  • Maintained a multi-level and multi-age Capoeira class that is comprised in the school curriculum as an elective for students to attend.

Capoeira Teacher

It's A Small World | 2017 - Current
  • Developed Capoeira classes plans tailored to diverse learning styles.
  • Maintained multi-level and multi-age Capoeira classes for Pre-K students.

Capoeira Teacher

Summers-knoll School | 2017 - 2021
  • Developed engaging Capoeira classes for a project-based school catered for Pre-K-5 students. lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles.
  • Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting student collaboration and respect.
  • Developed Capoeira lessons and classes with a focus on interacting with outdoor environments for Pre-K-5 students.

Capoeira Teacher

Multiple Education Institutions | 2005 - 2014
  • Developed multiple and diverse Capoeira classes catered for students of different ages and needs.
  • Develop engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards in Brazil to also promote the teaching of Afro-Brazilian art forms as part of the curriculum.
  • Assessed student progress and provided constructive feedback to support growth.

Education

Capoeira Master (2nd Degree) - Capoeira

Mangalot Capoeira | Sao Paulo, BR | 07-2026
  • Attained the second degree (out of four) of Capoeira Master (Mestre de Capoeira). A title recognized by the Capoeira Community and given by the lead Capoeira Master of our Capoeira School.
  • Title given as recognition of 28 years of Capoeira practice and over 20 years of experience as a Capoeira teacher.

- One Semester of Physical Education Teaching

Faculdade Flamingo | Sao Paulo, BR | 2014

Accomplishments

  • Collaborated as lead and support singer, and instrument player in two live Capoeira music recordings that were then released to the public on different streaming platforms.
  • Supported and co-organized innumerous Capoeira events in Brazil and the United States where also coached prospective Capoeira instructors and professors.

Certification

  • Specialization and Certification to teach Capoeira to speicific audiences like children, families, adults, and people with disabilities, understanding the specific psycho-motor capacities and needs of each group. Sao Paulo, BR - 2014

Languages

English
Portuguese
Spanish

Seminars and Workshops

  • Ginge e Seoul, Seoul Korea | 2026
  • Sua Casa Capoeira and Latin American Afro-Diasporic Events | 2019-2026
  • Gingarte Capoeira annual Batizado and troca de cordões | 2014-2026
  • Capoeira Workshops at the Ann Arbor Public Library | 2024-2025
  • Capoeira Workshops at the Toledo Public Library | 2024
  • Capoeira Workshops at the Ypsilanti Public Library | 2017-2025
  • Capoeira workshop as part of the Afro-Diasporic Dances in Latin America Workshop Series at the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH | 2024-2025
  • International Nights at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI | 2023-2025
  • Capoeira performance at the Ohio Latin Americanist Conference at Bowling Green University, Bowling Green | 2024
  • Capoeira And Folkloric Dances Workshop | Usa (Chicago, Virginia, Charlotte, Kansas City, San Francisco, Los Angeles) 2014
  • Folclore Do Brasil Event| San Francisco, Usa 2014
  • Tem Que Ter Axé And Brazilian Day Events | San Diego, USA 2014
  • Desafio Dos Mandingueiros Event | Seoul, South Korea 2013
  • Vem Jogar Mais Eu (Cdo) Event | Guadalajara, México 2012
  • Perto Do Coração (Grupo Longe Do Mar) Event | Mexico City, Mexico 2012
  • Capoeira In Hermosillo And Obregon | México 2012
  • Passo A Frente Event | Paris, France 2011
  • Capoeira In Hermosillo, Guadalajara, León Guanajuato, Barra De Potosí, Obregon And Mexico City | Mexico 2011
  • 1st Capoeira Camara Event | Bolivia 2011

Timeline

Lecturer I

University of Michigan, Department of Dance
01.2024 - CurrentRead More

CEO, Co-founder, and Lead Instructor

Brazilian Michigan Cultural Center
06.2015 - CurrentRead More

Capoeira Teacher

The U School
2017 - CurrentRead More

Capoeira Teacher

Bottles and BackPacs
2021 - CurrentRead More

Capoeira Teacher

Clonlara
2018 - CurrentRead More

Capoeira Teacher

It's A Small World
2017 - CurrentRead More

Capoeira Teacher

Summers-knoll School
2017 - 2021Read More

Capoeira Teacher

Multiple Education Institutions
2005 - 2014Read More

Mangalot Capoeira

Capoeira Master (2nd Degree) from Capoeira
Read More

Faculdade Flamingo

from One Semester of Physical Education Teaching
Read More
Fabio Cosmo Da Cunha - Mestre Lobinho