Free shows, instruction
cultural exchange 

NORWAY —  The Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Dance Group from Natal, Brazil, will be in residence with Cottage Street Creative Exchange in Norway, from Thursday, May 25, through Tuesday, June 6.  All are welcome to get to know the dancers and their director.  Most all classes, and all rehearsals and shows are free and open to the public during their visit.  Donations may be made in cash, food or other forms of cultural exchange.

  Just being in the presence of someone who speaks a different language starts the dialogue, Debi Irons, Dance Moves Studio founder and vice president of the Cottage Street Creative Exchange, said. “Not to say it is easy.  Erika Lindstrom spent 20 minutes using Portuguese, Spanish, English, and her own signing to explain something about her college experience.  The fun and frustration somehow leaves you fulfilled and forever changed. We so want to share this with our local communities,” Irons said.

Featured events of GDUFRN’s stay include: Friday, May 26, 7 p.m. at the Abyssinian Meeting House, 75 Newbury St., Portland, with Daniel Minter’s exhibition “A Distant Holla,” Free and open to the public.

Saturday, May 27, 10:30 a.m., Casco Bay Movers Studio, 217 Forest Ave., Portland Fusion dance class with GDUFRN ($16) noon, show is free and open to the public.

Monday, May 29,  5 p.m., Expansion Arts Dance Studio 70 Main St., South Paris; open class in Brazilian popular dances like samba, coco and forro; show immediately following at 6 p.m., free and open to the public. 

Monday, June 5, 6 p.m., Art Moves Dance Studio, 13 Cottage St., Norway; open class in Brazilian dances.  Show follows at 7 p.m., free and open to the public.

FMI: contact Debi Irons  at debi@artmovesdance.com or 207-743-5569.