(Professor Borrahca doesn't live in St. Louis but visits and keeps in contact to supervise the work and progress of Capoeira St. Louis.) 

Borracha (Wellington Porto) was born in Bahia, Brasil.  He began his Capoeira training with Jelon Vieira, renowned Capoeira master and dance choreographer, at the Capoeira Academy, in Boco do Rio, at the age of thirteen.  Borracha started performing with The Capoeiras of Bahia, a dance company for teenagers, directed by Jelon Vieira.  With The Capoeiras of Bahia he performed in Brasil and participated in several exchange programs with the Capoeira Foundation, Inc. in the United States.  While in the United States, he performed and participated in demonstrations.  He also lectured and taught in college, public, and private schools.  Borracha made a special appearance at the Camai Arts Festival in Bethel, Alaska.
 
In 1997, he joined DanceBrazil as an apprentice.  One year later, he became one of the principal members of DanceBrazil.  With DanceBrazil, he has toured throughout the United States and has performed in many important venues such as: City Center, New York City; The Joyce Theater, New York City; Lincoln Center, New York City; Kennedy Center, Washington, DC.  Borracha was featured in “The Egg,” a program produced and aired by PBS.  He also participated in the New Millennium Celebration in Times Square on December 31, 1999, with DanceBrazil.  Borracha performed Capoeira in Nike’s showing in San Francisco to promote their merchandise.
 
Borracha has also traveled to many cities throughout the United States giving workshops on the art of Capoeira.        
 
Currently, he is instructing classes in Gainesville, FL