Our Capoeira Family
The Brazilian Cultural Center of Newark (BCC of Newark) was established in 2013 by its founder Ronaldo Borges. Ronaldo is known as Mestre Cebolinha within the Capoeira community. The BBC is located in the heart of little Brazil, known as the “Ironbound” neighborhood in Newark, NJ. The Center has been the host to various cultural practices including yoga, Afro-Dance, Samba, and Capoeira. The BCC of Newark is open and offers a variety of classes 6 days a week, for people of all ages and abilities. We also offer workshops and performances for special, private, and corporate events. By hosting classes, events, and performances, the BCC aspires to support and educate all members of the communities it serves about Brazilian culture and the importance of living a healthy and active lifestyles.
The Brazilian Cultural Center of Newark is open to everybody who is ready and willing to learn something new. We look forward to seeing you and hope you enjoy the time you invest with us.
Reach out for any event, class, or workshop inquiry on our contact info page.
Mestre Cebolinha
Ronaldo Borges is the head instructor, founder, and Director of the Brazilian Cultural Center of Newark.
Ronaldo has 25+ years experience practicing Capoeira and 20+ years teaching Capoeira to every level student. In the Capoeira community, Ronaldo known as Mestre Cebolinha. A titled given to him by his teacher, Mestre Suasssuna in 2019.
Mestre Cebolinha was born in Serro and raised in the city of Belo Horizonte in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is where his journey in Capoeira began and where he trained with great teachers such as Meste Pentiado, Mestra Lu Pimenta, Mestre Fuinha, and Mestre Suassuna.
Mestre Cebolinha’s experience teaching also started in Belo Horizonte, where he worked with students of all ages and abilities, including special needs students. In 2010, Mestre Cebolinha moved from his native Country of Brazil to the United States. In 2012, Ronaldo began teaching Capoeira classes in Newark, New Jersey. A year later, wanting to further his ability to share his love for the Afro-Brazilian arts, he created the BCC of Newark.
Through his professional career, Mestre Cebolinha has had the honor and pleasure of teaching and performing at events all over the country. He has also been invited to teach at international events in countries like his native Brazil, Canada, Italy, and France.
Assistant Instructors
Instrutor Calado
Chris “Calado” Rodriguez is a Newark, NJ resident who first started training in Capoeira in 2007 and has been hooked on it ever since.
“Capoeira is what makes me feel centered. When I play with others, or when I practice by myself I feel a great sense of being grounded and focused. Capoeira has given me confidence in the way I move and express myself – whether that is through the various movements we practice, acrobatics, playing music, or dance.”
Besides assisting and teaching classes at the Brazilian Cultural center under the supervision of Mestre Cebolinha, Calado enjoys playing guitar, traveling, and works as a professional urban planner.
Monitora Malaika
Malaika Wack Walodjol, known as Monitora Mailoka within the Capoeira community is a French born professional dancer. Mailoka has performed and taught internationally since a young age.
Growing up in France with a father from Cameroon, Malaika has been steeped simultaneously in two worlds; exposed to African rhythms, music, and culture her entire life. Mailoka is also classically trained in modern jazz since the age of 4. Through this global lens, Mailoka brings her contagious energy and joy for dance.
Mailoka performs various styles of dance including: samba, modern jazz, bachata, and salsa. She has also studied afro, Capoeira, and aerial silks.
Mailoka became a certified Zumba Fitness trainer in 2009 and has been featured in many professional photoshoots and videos. Mailoka earned her bachelors degree in international Relations from Florida International University.
Monitor Carcara
Higor Andrade, also known as Monitor Carcará started his journey in Capoeira in 2001 in Minas Gerais, Brazil. His training had to take a pause when he move to the United States in 2004,. Settling in NJ, he was very glad when he continued training in 2012 with Mestre Cebolinha.
In addition to training, assisting the center, and working a day job, Carcará enjoys spending his time with this two kids and playing video games.