Dance of Hope

In Lima, Peru, teens from the poorest neighborhoods are leaving the streets and gaining opportunity. For teens who survive on the streets of Lima, learning professional dance is a source of teamwork, leadership, income and ultimately hope.

As they left the streets and performed at theaters, discos and cultural events through Counterpart International's (Counterpart) innovative program, "El Baile de La Esperanza" (Dance of Hope), these underprivileged teens were able to earn income and enhance their skills through classes in hip-hop, jazz and acrobatics.

Members also created thematic dance performances, such as "No to Drugs" and "Education Matters," as a tool for outreach to the public schools in poor neighborhoods of Lima.

While some children have homes, they often prefer to find refuge on the streets or in shelters rather than face domestic violence, abuse and poverty. This calls for an outreach that must be both creative and engaging.

Counterpart, in partnership with a Peruvian NGO, D1-Dance, is committed to helping underprivileged children take "dance" steps to their future.