Mestra Gata Brava

Leigh Robertson, aka Mestra “Gata Brava”, is an internationally recognized teacher and performer of the Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira, and one of the select few American women to achieve this rank. For over 23 years she has dedicated her life to preserving and sharing the unique style of Capoeira passed down to her by her teacher, Mestre Doutor.

In 2009, Leigh founded Capoeira Morro Verde, the first Afro-Brazilian Cultural Center in Bucks County, PA, offering multi-faceted instructional programs for children and adults.

Working with countless grade schools and colleges has led Leigh to create programs specifically tailored to adults and children with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, ADHD, auditory processing disorder and executive function difficulties, as well as autism and related conditions.

In her journey to help spread Capoeira to the greater community, Leigh has trained actors, performed in and choreographed for Disney’s Step Up movie series, and was featured on TEDx in NYC. However, Leigh considers the most fulfilling aspects of her work to be done locally, teaching regularly for underserved communities with limited access to the arts.