Raiz

Raiz (pronounced heiss) is the name of an acrobatic kick in the Afro-Brazilian martial art capoeira. Although it would not be functional within a truly combative situation, within the context of a capoeira bout, it is a beautiful and choreographic movement. Aside from inspiration by its aesthetic beauty and circular motion, the technique does not further inform this musical composition. The word “raiz” translates from Portuguese to “root.” From this, the piece draws a sense of mysterious darkness, as well as a sense of organic growth and decay.