On February 14, 2009, Third Samba Rio dance was held as part of the annual Chester Winter Carnivale. Nearly 300 happy people danced the night away to the heart throbbing music by three wonderful groups:

Cantico:            "Greatest Hits From Brazil"

Trinity Samba:    Traditional Carnaval Percussion

Efraim Silva and his fabulous Capoeira Group

View the spectacular poster for the 2008 event!

View the video of the first Samba Rio dance in 2006

The event was to benefit BRAYCE

Visit the Town of Chester, Connecticut and check out the major annual events in 2009

Scroll down to view the pictures of Samba Rio 2009, by celebrated local photographer, Bill Bernhart

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Events in Rio de Janeiro

Suellen Alves:

With the help of nine assistants, she continues to mentor over 120 youngsters and help them with their homework to ensure they stay in school

Gilmar Aragao:

Gilmar is managing and teaching drama, music and dance programs in Espaco Encantada, the renovated buiding that is becoming a regional cultural center for the neighbouring communities. He is contining with night classes in Portuguese and English

Rafael Guerra:

Rafael is continuing with studies in tourism at the University and was giving English to yougsters in Terra Encantada.. He was at Camp Hazen for the Summer, having been invited as a counselor.  His English is excellent

Pauline Batista:

Pauline is associated with ITAE in Paraty and is our first partcipant from that town. She is now back in Paraty after completing the Lea 1 program for one month along with twenty other trainees. Her English is also excellent and she is teaching English to youngsters and adults in addition to helping with other activities at ITAE.

Tereza Turzi:

Our first American, Tereza was in Rio for six weeks to work on projects in Terra Encantada, including the start up of an English Language program that has 13 students and will last at least twelve months. She had intensive Portuguese lessons and self teaching and was ready to immerse in the Brazilian culture. She is a Senior at Springfield College in Massachussetts and majoring in Youth Development.