Music and Dance Project ( Rio de Janeiro)

Project Summary

Experience one of the vibrant and spectacular cities in the world and teach music and dance to children from disadvantaged communities.

Rio is famous for Samba music and every year millions participate in one of the largest street festivals in the city. It is a place where music is an everyday part of the city. In the favelas (shanty towns) where crime rates are now much lower and people are more progressive, as a volunteer in the project you can work with local youths to teach them music while also learning new forms of music from local artists.

Volunteer Responsibilities

The volunteers will teach music and dance. The participants will mostly be youth and they will come from disadvantage background. What you will teach will depend on your skills and the experience you have. You will work in community center and local schools.

Skills/Qualifications

Volunteers must dance and music to volunteer in the project. Basic Portuguese is not required but recommended. Volunteers must also be flexible, open minded and resourceful.

Project Location:

This project is located in one of the largest favelas in Rio de Janeiro. These favelas were known for high crime rate but due to the police action and the police presence, the crime scene is virtually non-existence now. Poverty, however, remains entrenched in the favelas as usually it's the low-income families that settle in the favelas.

When not at the project volunteers will have plenty to do in their free time. Volunteers can soak up some sun at one of Rio's famous beaches, or go hiking in one of the largest in urban parks in the world. You can go see the wonderful views from Corcovado or Sugar Loaf. There is also excellent nightlife to experience as well as museums and theatres throughout the city. All of these activities are available through Rio's extensive public transportation system.

For safety reasons, always be aware of where you are going and the best time to go. Ask the local coordinator or trustworthy locals if ever in doubt or need more information.