Dana 'Minha Velha' Maman

Teaches at El Camino College

Instructor Dana 'Minha Velha' Maman was born in Tel Aviv Israel, to Jewish immigrant parent of Moroccan and Persian decent. She started her involvement with percussion and Afro-Brazilian culture at 15 in Israel. In 2001 Maman moved to Los Angeles and became part of Capoeira Batuque, the first and longest standing Capoeira Academy in Southern CA. There she continued her studies of capoeira and percussion under Master Teacher, Mestre Amen Santo. Maman has since traveled in the US and internationally performing and teaching capoeira and Afro-Brazilian music. 

Today she stands with over 25 years of experience is the art as a third level 'Professora' (graduated teacher). She runs one of the few women lead and taught Capoeira Academies in the US. Her mission is creating a healthy diverse community around Afro- Brazilian culture where men, children, and especially women can grow and excel.