Mestre Jelon Vieira ~ Brasilian Capoeira master, choreographer, teacher, artistic and cultural pioneer. Liberator.
Mestre Jelon is a man of many accolades, but what we and thousands around the world best know him for is his ability to cultivate community. It’s his jeito (way of being).
Mestre Jelon sparks personal expression in us all, and this embrace of individuality is a true and treasured form of liberation. Obrigado, Mestre!
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In 1975, Mestre Jelon and fellow choreographer/performer Loremil Machado introduced the Afro-Brasilian art form of capoeira to the United States. In this summer of 2025, New York City hosts the 50th anniversary celebration event, and Culture 12 Is honored to create the official tribute shirt featuring one of our personal heroes, Mestre Jelon Vieira.
Mestre Jelon’s accolades and honors are extensive: from his work with Alvin Ailey, in some of the world’s most notable institutions of learning, arts and culture; choreography in major films, and through his company, DanceBrazil; as the founder and artistic director of The Capoeira Foundation and grupo Capoeira Luanda; to a National Heritage Fellowship awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the United States government's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.
%20 of sales goes to Capoeira Luanda
100% Heavy-weight Organic Cotton
100% organic and sustainable cotton
Oversized print
1-color
Hand-printed
No toxic dyes, chemical fertilizers, or formaldehyde are used
Non-toxic earth friendly ink
Front & back print (same print)
Boxy fit
Pre-shrunk and treated to ensure minimal shrinkage
Mestre Jelon Vieira ~ Brasilian Capoeira master, choreographer, teacher, artistic and cultural pioneer. Liberator.
Mestre Jelon is a man of many accolades, but what we and thousands around the world best know him for is his ability to cultivate community. It’s his jeito (way of being).
Mestre Jelon sparks personal expression in us all, and this embrace of individuality is a true and treasured form of liberation. Obrigado, Mestre!
****
In 1975, Mestre Jelon and fellow choreographer/performer Loremil Machado introduced the Afro-Brasilian art form of capoeira to the United States. In this summer of 2025, New York City hosts the 50th anniversary celebration event, and Culture 12 Is honored to create the official tribute shirt featuring one of our personal heroes, Mestre Jelon Vieira.
Mestre Jelon’s accolades and honors are extensive: from his work with Alvin Ailey, in some of the world’s most notable institutions of learning, arts and culture; choreography in major films, and through his company, DanceBrazil; as the founder and artistic director of The Capoeira Foundation and grupo Capoeira Luanda; to a National Heritage Fellowship awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the United States government's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.
%20 of sales goes to Capoeira Luanda
100% Heavy-weight Organic Cotton
100% organic and sustainable cotton
Oversized print
1-color
Hand-printed
No toxic dyes, chemical fertilizers, or formaldehyde are used
Non-toxic earth friendly ink
Front & back print (same print)
Boxy fit
Pre-shrunk and treated to ensure minimal shrinkage
