Ballet students in Rio de Janeiro return to their homes in the Complexo de Alemão favela. Sebastian Gil Miranda has been photographing their classes since 2014.
Ballet students in Rio de Janeiro return to their homes in the Complexo de Alemão favela. Sebastian Gil Miranda has been photographing their classes since 2014.
Sebastian Gil Miranda/Getty Images Reportage
The program "Na Ponta dos Pes," or "On Tiptoe," is run by a former rhythmic gymnast named Tuany Nascimento. She teaches them for free.
The program "Na Ponta dos Pes," or "On Tiptoe," is run by a former rhythmic gymnast named Tuany Nascimento. She teaches them for free.
Sebastian Gil Miranda/Getty Images Reportage
The ballet students practice on a basketball court.
The ballet students practice on a basketball court.
Sebastian Gil Miranda/Getty Images Reportage
Karla, 12, practices a ballet movement.
Karla, 12, practices a ballet movement.
Sebastian Gil Miranda/Getty Images Reportage
The program also provides young girls with a place of refuge.
The program also provides young girls with a place of refuge.
Sebastian Gil Miranda/Getty Images Reportage
"The little girls dancing there, it's incredible," Miranda said. "The first time I took pictures, I started to cry."
"The little girls dancing there, it's incredible," Miranda said. "The first time I took pictures, I started to cry."
Sebastian Gil Miranda/Getty Images Reportage
Miranda has photographed professional ballet companies around the world, and he knew immediately that there was something special about these dancers.
Miranda has photographed professional ballet companies around the world, and he knew immediately that there was something special about these dancers.
Sebastian Gil Miranda/Getty Images Reportage
Students return home after class.
Students return home after class.
Sebastian Gil Miranda/Getty Images Reportage
Nascimento's dream is to build a community center complete with a library, computers and a dance studio. "I think we need more people like her," Miranda said. "She's really changed the lives of those girls."
Nascimento's dream is to build a community center complete with a library, computers and a dance studio. "I think we need more people like her," Miranda said. "She's really changed the lives of those girls."
Sebastian Gil Miranda/Getty Images Reportage
An aerial view of the Complexo do Alemão favela. In 2010, the Brazilian government launched a military operation to clear the favela of drug traffickers. But Miranda said there is still violence.
An aerial view of the Complexo do Alemão favela. In 2010, the Brazilian government launched a military operation to clear the favela of drug traffickers. But Miranda said there is still violence.
Sebastian Gil Miranda/Getty Images Reportage
Police patrol the neighborhood after a shooting happened close to where the girls practice.
Police patrol the neighborhood after a shooting happened close to where the girls practice.
Sebastian Gil Miranda/Getty Images Reportage