LATIN AMERICA BRAZIL

Brazil, the largest nation in South America, both in geographical size and population, was Portugal's main stronghold in the Americas for several hundred years -- the nation become independent in 1825. Brazil has enjoyed many periods of stability, though it has also experienced economic stumbles, failed republics and military coups. Toward the end of the 20th century Brazil's economy became reliably strong, and the nation has become a true world power.

Despite all of its ups and downs, or maybe because of them, Brazilians have historically focused on the beauty and breadth of their culture as a source of national pride. Brazil is multilingual -- even though nearly 100% of Brazilians speak Portuguese, over 200 indigenous languages still exist -- and, as African-Brazilians blended with indigenous Brazilians and European over the course of centuries, profoundly multiracial.

In class we sing/dance/play Capoeira, a powerful, empowering, form of Afro-Brazilian dance, sport and genre of music. It's also much more graceful than we can possibly be when we try it in class, but try it we shall.