17/09/2025
Yesterday I was very happy to give the class in Portuguese — until someone arrived who couldn’t understand the language.
Don’t get me wrong: I’m in favour of inclusion. And as many of you know, most of the time, both the class and the jam are mostly attended by foreigners. I think that’s because many Portuguese dancers have access to other dance programs and practices offered in institutions and facilities across the city.
I don’t think Contact Improvisation is more “suitable” for foreigners. It just happens that the CI community in Lisbon is very international. Personally, I also enjoy using my language skills. Yesterday, I was happy I could almost teach fully in Portuguese — and even happier that the one non-Portuguese participant was French, so I got to practice some French too.
But today something made me reflect.
There was a big demonstration in front of the Portuguese Parliament about immigration policies. And I started thinking: How is this community — the CI community — relating to the fact that many of us here are migrants?
I would really like to open a space to talk — a debate, a meeting, a gathering (call it what you like) — to share visions, concerns, and hear from each other. Not to point fingers, but to reflect together.
I was an immigrant for 13 years in the Netherlands. I know what it means to live, work, and try to belong in a country that is not yours. And I believe the CI community in Lisbon, being so diverse and international, can be a good place to raise these questions.
Would you be interested in joining a conversation around these topics?
Here are some points I’d like to address:
1- Racism and immigration: Are people being discriminated against because of skin colour, religion, or social status?
2- Integration: As an immigrant, am I making an effort to integrate into everyday life — learning the language, connecting with locals, contributing (e.g. social security, taxes)?
3- Economic impact: If I have a higher income and can pay more for housing, food, and utilities — am I contributing to inflation and making life less affordable for Portuguese people?
4- Contribution to society: Am I doing any volunteer work or community service?
5- Responsibility: Why do I (or don’t I) feel responsible for the impact I have in the country I migrated to?
6- Reflection on contribution:* Could I contribute more? Or do I feel I’m already doing enough?
I’m curious to know your thoughts. Let me know if this resonates and if you’d like to join such a gathering.
With care,
Rita
