An Inspiring Story of Ballet in Brazil
It’s easy to forget how lucky we are to pursue dance at all, let alone in the beautifully equipped studios that many of us call home. But for many aspiring dancers around the world—especially in communities plagued by violence—resources are few and far between.
As the Rio Olympics wind down, we’ve had plenty of time to be awed by the amazing feats of athletic prowess, and the sacrifices and struggles of each competitor. But throughout Rio, there are people waging a daily struggle against poverty and many of them hope to accomplish amazing things themselves.
Meet the dancers of Na Ponta dos Pes, or “On Tiptoe.” These girls are from the Complexo de Alemão favela, one of the neighborhoods in Rio that’s often riddled with violence. Rather than living in fear, former rhythmic gymnast Tuany Nascimento started the “On Tiptoe” program, and now teaches ballet classes to her tiny dancers on a basketball court. Nascimento has even bigger dreams, hoping to one day open a community center in the neighborhood.
Check out some of the photos by Brazilian photographer Sebastian Gil Miranda, who has frequently photographed Nascimento’s class:
(Photo by Sebastian Gil Miranda)
(Photo by Sebastian Gil Miranda)
