CCI students shine on stage at International Day

Students from the dance and rhythm courses at the Community Centre for the Elderly (CCI) performed last Saturday, 20 June, on stage at International Day, an annual charity event celebrating cultural diversity at St Paul’s School. The group first performed a routine that began with the song ‘Dança de Carimbó’ and ended with ‘Frevo Mulher’, a classic by Zé Ramalho. In the afternoon, another group returned to the event’s stage for a third performance, of the classic “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.

It was a very special day for our elderly ladies! Not only because they were absolutely brilliant — —check out the videos in this post on social media —, but also because we realised just how important it was for our students to be on stage, showing the audience with joy and pride the result of a long period of rehearsals, dedication and connection with their bodies and with dance. “We loved the performance. I didn’t realise we were capable of dancing like that, so lightly and effortlessly. It was marvellous,” said Ana Lúcia, aged 72.

Maria Aparecida de Oliveira said that the experience had been truly transformative: “Taking part in this event has been magical; it feels like I’m dreaming. It’s been a very special Saturday because I’m sharing the space with so many people, and this interaction makes me very happy. I’d never performed before; I want to take part more often.”

The presentation was also a highlight for the Foundation’s team. For the first time, we shared with the International Day audience a glimpse of the work we carry out at the CCI, a project that operates thanks to the donations received annually from the event. And to show the audience the talent and joy of our elderly residents at the Taking to the stage is the best way to thank the institution for its trust and to repay the support we have received over recent years.

Ana Rodrigues, Project Supervisor at FBB, commented: “I was absolutely moved; the elderly ladies were wonderful, each in her own way. Today was a very significant day for us, to showcase what we’ve been doing all these years, and to highlight the work of these ladies, who are there with us day in, day out. The funds raised on International Day are vital for the CCI; without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do today.”

Take a look at some photos from this special event below!