Conversations with Dandley Vizibelli

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dandley Vizibelli.

Hi Dandley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Dandley Vizibelli. I’m originally from Brazil. I am an environmental engineer and also hold a master’s degree in engineering. However, it was through capoeira that I truly discovered myself — both personally and professionally.

I can’t say exactly when I started practicing capoeira; as far as I can remember, it has always been part of my life. My uncles and godparents, Mestre Fran and Mestre Sara, are highly respected masters, well known in the capoeira community, and my cousin, Mestranda Dandhara, is also an accomplished capoeirista. I grew up following their example from an early age.

As a child, I faced serious health challenges, which temporarily took me away from capoeira. But around 2006 or 2007, I returned to the practice despite those difficulties — and since then, I have never stopped.
I truly believe that capoeira has given me a lot. I attribute to it a major part of my health recovery, and it has been a space that has deeply contributed to my education, personal growth, and development as a citizen.

More than just a sport, capoeira is a space that offers much more — it carries the rich history of Brazilian culture, music, and a strong tradition of social and volunteer work.
Since the beginning of my journey, I’ve been directly involved in all these aspects, and I believe that over the years, the experiences I’ve gained have shaped me into a professional capable of teaching, promoting, and representing the art of capoeira.

By the time I was 20 years old, I was already teaching a group of students in downtown Londrina, under the supervision of Mestre Sara. Since then, I have taught capoeira in several academies, working with students of all ages, both in Brazil and abroad.
From 2017 to 2019, I led the Instituto Mestre Fran in Londrina, where I taught capoeira through social projects for children, youth, and adults. I have also taught special classes and workshops in many cities across Brazil and other countries.

I’ve contributed as a visiting instructor in social projects serving children in vulnerable situations in the district of Paiquerê and the city of Cornélio Procópio, where capoeira is used as a tool for education and cultural empowerment.

In 2023, I was invited as a special guest to a capoeira event in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I participated by teaching and leading workshops.
And in 2024, I was invited to join the Maculelê Group USA as part of its team of instructors and teachers through the Brazilian Arts Center. Since then, I have been working as a capoeira instructor for children and adults in Decatur and Alpharetta, Georgia.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. I faced serious health problems as a child that kept me away from capoeira for some time. Returning to the practice around 2006–2007, despite those challenges, became a turning point in my life. Capoeira played a key role in my recovery and helped shape who I am physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Another big challenge was balancing my studies in engineering with my dedication to capoeira. Both required time, discipline, and commitment, and it wasn’t always easy to keep both paths moving forward. Still, I stayed focused because I knew each would contribute to my growth in different ways.

In 2023, I faced one of my most difficult decisions: leaving a stable job in engineering to pursue a full-time career in capoeira. It took courage to follow my heart and choose passion over security, but it’s a decision I’ve never regretted.

Each challenge, from health struggles to career transitions, strengthened my belief in the transformative power of capoeira. Today, I see every obstacle as part of the journey that prepared me to teach and share this art with the world.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Today, I work as a capoeira instructor, teaching classes for children, teenagers, and adults. My mission is to share the richness of this Brazilian art form through movement, music, history, and culture.

I specialize in teaching children and youth, a passion that I developed through the knowledge and inspiration I received from Mestre Fran and the incredible educational work he’s built over the years. I believe capoeira is a powerful tool for education, discipline, and personal growth, especially for younger generations.

Beyond the classroom, I participate in performances and demonstrations to help educate the public about what capoeira truly is — a blend of martial art, dance, music, and cultural heritage. These moments are powerful opportunities to build awareness and appreciation for Brazilian culture.

I’m especially proud to have trained and worked with many respected and traditional mestres throughout my journey. Their guidance has shaped my path and helped me earn the respect of the global capoeira community. What sets me apart is my commitment to teaching capoeira as a complete art form — one that transforms lives, connects cultures, and honors its roots.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can connect and work with me through the Brazilian Arts Center and the Maculelê Capoeira Group in Decatur, Alpharetta, and Atlanta. I’m proud to be part of this amazing team of talented and passionate capoeira professionals who are dedicated to sharing Brazilian culture and building community through art, movement, and education.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.trycapoeira.com
• Instagram: dandleyvizibelli
• Yelp: capoeiradecatur