Brazil
Espaço Aberto, “Open Spaces,” is a program that uses different types of dance (including ballet, jazz, ballroom, and afro-Brazilian) to develop disadvantaged children into self-motivated and responsible citizens. EA works with young people ranging from ages 3-22 in the mountainside favela of Rocinha, whose estimated population of about 250,000 residents has earned it the popular title of “the largest favela in Brazil,” and possibly all of Latin America.
In such a physically and socio-economically marginalized community, the power of dance to provide future opportunities for the children of Espaço Aberto is invaluable.
With two government-certified ballerinas and several small scholarships for dance academies outside of the favela, it is evident that EA not only shows these kids how to set goals beyond their marginalized communities, but also how to achieve those goals. |
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Yet, in order to continue to grow global citizens through the art of dance, Espaço Aberto needs a studio of its own; a permanent and safe home away from the violence that surrounds them daily and untouched by the threat of eviction from their currently borrowed and rented spaces. For this reason, it is my sincere hope that you will contribute financially to the construction of a permanently “open space” for Espaço Aberto.
Through a unique partnership with Solace International and the Byrne Family, every $1 that you contribute will be matched by $2. All money raised will be applied directly to the construction of a two-room studio for the group, including the costs of land, construction materials, and labor. Our goal is to reach $15,000 in pre-matched donations by May 10, 2007.
If you donate online please send an email to marloannshedlock@gmail.com and specifiy that the funds are to be used for Espaco Aberto.
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