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Students in the program “Na Ponta dos Pes” (”On Tiptoe”), a...
Reportage by Getty Images TumblrStudents in the program “Na Ponta dos Pes” (”On Tiptoe”), a ballet class in Rio de Janeiro’s Complexo de Alemão, one of the city’s most dangerous favelas. Tuany Nascimento, a former rhythmic gymnast who represented Brazil in international competition, founded the program in 2014 to give her students a sense of hope and identity, according to Getty Images Reportage contributor Sebastian Gil Miranda, who has photographed the class several times. CNN Photos recently profiled the class and Sebastian’s images:
In 2010, the Brazilian government launched a military operation to clear the favela of drug traffickers. Following the deployment of troops, special police units were sent to Alemão as part of a “pacification” program designed to restore order.
But Miranda said the favela is more dangerous than ever.
“I’ve never seen a situation like now,” he said. Dancing in an open basketball court exposes the group to violence, and they often have to stop classes because of a nearby shooting.
Read more on CNN’s website.
