Dancing in the dark

Dancing in the dark

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Joao Kanoa, a blind capoeira teacher who lives in the Fallet favela of Rio de Janeiro, smiles as he jokes with one of his students after class.

Kanoa lost his sight 17 years ago after a change in temperature at a cold storage facility where he worked damaged his retinas. Though the accident robbed him of his vision, it did not stop him teaching the dynamic art of capoeira – a Brazilian blend of dance and martial arts.

. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Forty-nine-year-old Kanoa, who has been teaching capoeira since he was 20 years old, is deeply beloved by his students.

They are keen to help guide him through the streets of the slum where he lives, although he says he is well able to find his way around the neighbourhood by himself.

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Slideshow

Joao Kanoa performs inside the "roda,” the group of participants who gather to form a ring during the game of capoeira.
. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Joao Kanoa performs inside the "roda,” the group of participants who gather to form a ring during the game of capoeira.

He ties a knot in his belt before giving a class.
. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

He ties a knot in his belt before giving a class.

Kanoa plays the berimbau, one of the musical instruments used by capoeira players, as others perform in the middle of the ring.
. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Kanoa plays the berimbau, one of the musical instruments used by capoeira players, as others perform in the middle of the ring.

Kanoa shows off his skills inside the roda.
. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Kanoa shows off his skills inside the roda.

He plays the berimbau, a sort of musical bow.
. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

He plays the berimbau, a sort of musical bow.

Kanoa searches for his belongings before a class.
. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Kanoa searches for his belongings before a class.

His students gather around him outside his home.
. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

His students gather around him outside his home.

Kanoa reaches for a towel inside his house.
. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Kanoa reaches for a towel inside his house.

He plays with a cat at his home in the Fallet favela.
. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

He plays with a cat at his home in the Fallet favela.