“This program abroad was important for me because it allowed me to experience culture beyond just tourism. By engaging with communities, art and nature firsthand, I felt more connected with the country and felt more comfortable sharing my experiences with friends and family back home,” reflected dance and ecological engineering major Meghan Bhanoo on the Dance Brazil program.
Led by the Department of Dance, the program offers a distinctive cultural experience for students who desire a unique global diversity component to their education by introducing students to dance, music and culture of Brazil.
“This experience reinforced how interconnected the world is; culturally, environmentally and socially. Whether I pursue work in engineering, environmental policy or the arts, the ability to navigate diverse settings, communicate across differences and think globally will be essential. It also reminded me how much I value purposeful work and storytelling through performance.”
After studying dance and the Portuguese language on campus, all members of the class travel to Salvador, Bahia, Brazil to perform and study with Brazilian dance masters, tour the city and engage in cultural exchange with Brazilian dancers.
“Performing dance in schools, community centers and theaters around Brazil made this experience unforgettable. I loved connecting with people through movement and laughter, even when there was a language barrier,” said Bhanoo.
“As a result of this program, I realized how much I learn and thrive in being immersed in unfamiliar environments. I was reminded how energizing it is to connect through dance, music, and shared curiosity. I also found that I thought about smaller details, like city design, public art, and environmental policy, more than I thought I would.”