The game of capoeira takes place between two individuals with in a circle of people who clap their hands, sing and play musical instruments in order to provide energy (axé) for the two players at the centre of the circle. Players exchange an intricate sequence of kicks and evasive maneuvers as the game develops.

The musical instruments commonly used are atabac (Afro-Brazilian drum played with the hands), pandeiro (tambourine) and berimbau (stringed instrument with a gourd as an amplifier which is played with a stick and a stone to make different tones). The musical aspect is very important in capoeira as it provides the energy and rhythm for players to perform.

Other dances, such as maculelé and samba are often included in capoeira performances. Maculelé is a dance performed to the rhythm of the atabac that involves players dancing and rhythmically stricking the sticks of the opponent. Unlike capoeira, the object is not to outwit your opponent but is mainly aesthetic. Samba de Roda is a samba dance that is often performed after a capoeira circle (or Roda). Two dancers (one male, one female) dance the samba dance within the capoeira roda while the other participants provide music (vocal and percussion).