Over the past few months JTP has been involved with the Meninos do Morumbi through the consulate. Meninos is a local organization that works with at-risk youth. Along with other programs, they have a music and dance group. The group has performed all over the world and even did a special show for President Bush on his visit to Sao Paulo in 2007.
After doing some official work with them, we were invited to a rehearsal. Lucky for us, they let us invite some friends. Before the rehearsal started, the director gave us a tour of the facilities. They have an impressive set up that gives the kids a safe place to learn valuable skills. They have computers labs, an art studio, a dance studio, athletic facilities and more. Additionally, they serve meals to the children. After the tour, the real fun began. We went upstairs to a large room where the singers, dancers and band were getting ready. The band is a large (and loud) percussion ensemble with a few other instruments mixed in. There seemed to be about 50 dancers crowded in a space in front of the band (and about 2 feet from us). The singers were off to the side like a gospel choir. It was an exciting performance and we were able to hear some great new material. JTP had forewarned TSP that often at the end of a performance the Meninos would grab audience members to come dance with them and that we were prime targets. Unfortunately, this information did not get to our guests. JTP was drafted but TSP missed because BLP had somehow managed to fall asleep on her. JTP is a horrible dancer. The girl that picked him out of the audience tried to teach him a few of the moves but quit when she realized it was hopeless. The teenagers that went with us were a little embarrassed when they were chosen out of the audience but had a great time anyway. This was a truly Brazilian experience for us. Through the dancing and music, we could feel the rhythm and diversity of Brazil. We had a fabulous time!!
If you want more information on the Meninos do Morumbi, it’s on our sidebar.
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