J-Term 2009 Brazil - Music and Dance

Group Mission

The purpose of the Sambistas’ Web site is to highlight the different forms of Brazilian dance and music. This is a collection of our experiences from our trip to Brazil with testimonies, background information, photos and videos. Before we talk about the trip we would like to give you some background information about the group members of the Sambistas.

	"Hey, I am Whitney! I am a freshman at R-MC. This was my first time going to Brazil. At first I was a little skeptical to go, but it turned out to be an amazing experience and I'm glad I got a chance to observe and be exposed to the beauty of a different culture. It was a fun experience and I enjoyed the laid-back 'zest for life' and friendly vibe of the Brazilians."
Name: Whitney Roberts Class: Freshman Major: Political Science/ Psychology Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica

"My name is Kayci Williamson and I am a sophomore at Randolph-Macon. I was really excited to go to Brazil for J-term. It was my second time leaving the country and the first time going away without my parents. I was a little nervous about going to another country mainly because I had no idea what to expect. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to travel to Brazil. It was an incredible experience!"

Name: Kayci Williamson Class: Sophomore Major: Economics Hometown: Goochland, VA

	"Brazil to me was simply indescribable. The people there were very friendly, very laid-back and had lots of pride. This was by far the best part of the trip to me. Many Brazilians are not concerned with the luxuries of life, but with life in general and enjoying it. That to me is how life should be valued and appreciated."
Name: Derrick Tyler Class: Junior Major: Accounting Hometown: Richmond, VA

	"Brazil was an eye-opening experience for me culturally and spiritually. I found Brazil to be a culturally diverse place, having people of many descents, languages and culture. Spiritually I found myself just taking in my surroundings, from the beach to the lush green mountains, and my visit to Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado is one I will never forget."
Name: Gamal Alwan Class: Senior Major: Sociology Hometown: Atco, New Jersey

"My name is Justin Stanek. I am a junior and my major is economics and business. My time in Brazil was amazing. I was really excited to go to Brazil. I had always wanted to go. My best friend's mother grew up in Sao Paulo, Brazil and she would always talk about going back one day. I can see why now. I learned so much about Brazilian culture. I thought Brazil had overcome racism, but in many ways you can see that they are still behind the U.S. My favorite memories are going to samba clubs, dancing and listening to samba music. Brazilians love to dance wherever they are. At first I was nervous to try it, but it was easy for me to pick up. Overall I had the time of my life and I cannot wait to go back.

Name: Justin Stanek Class: Junior Major: Business/Economics Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia