Brazil

Espaço Aberto, "Open Spaces," held its first dance classes on the beaches near the mountainside favela (shantytown) of Rocinha, Brazil. Today, thanks to the generous funding of the Byrne Family Foundation and Solace International, the organization has purchased a two-story building and is a registered nonprofit with classes in theater and performance poetry for disadvantaged children. With reinforcement of the building's foundation, Espaço Aberto (EA) will have space to continue its dance programs, including ballet, jazz, ballroom, and Afro-Brazilian.