Visiting the Santa Teresa Ballet non-profit organization in Rio de Janeiro was undoubtedly one of the most inspirational stories I have heard and learned about on this Brazil trip thus far. This non-profit organization essentially was started because a 4 year young girl from the community of Morro de Coroa, 2nd largest favela in the Santa Teresa neighborhood, asked her teacher when she was going to teach her ballet.Santa Teresa Ballet serves kids from the ages of 7-18 daily that reside in areas of social risk. Most of them are young girls. Examples of activities that are complimentary and accompanied by instructional orientation and social assistance range from classical ballet lessons and music and chorus to presentation programs and English classes. Since the inception of the program, 700 families (1000 children) have been assisted through projects such as “First Steps”, “Ballet da Letras” and “Spectacle”.
Only $250 out of $400 Reals per child (Brazil Currency) are covered by the state which means it is important to raise necessary funds for this organization to keep assisting the children. Some of the future plans for Santa Teresa Ballet are to strengthen its projects, establish new partnerships and sustain the institution. It was an honor to visit and hear a presentation at the Santa Teresa Ballet non-profit organization. It was truly inspirational! 
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