NoIt is not a grand gala stage, nor an audience of season ticket holders in dark suits. Was the Cesare Beccaria Juvenile Penal Institute in Milan to act as the theater for a small but significant event: a dance show organized by Roberto Bolle Foundationin collaboration with thePuntoZero Association. The initiative has a clear and powerful objective: bring beauty, art and a message of hope among young prisoners, through the universal language of dance.
The performance in the juvenile prison of Milan
The evening saw young talents from different disciplines taking turns on stage. Rebecca Luca and Alessandro Francesconidancers from the Teatro alla Scala Company, performed excerpts from The Nutcracker and of Grand Pas Classiquebringing the elegance of traditional ballet between the prison walls. They joined them Roy Ilagoua choreographer originally from Central Africa, and his hip hop and afro dance crew, creating an explosive mix of energy and technique.
There was no shortage of inspiring stories: Filippo Pieronithe first Italian break dancer for Cirque du Soleil, shared his journey «from the street to the international stage», demonstrating that talent, combined with sacrifice, it can open unexpected doors.
The educational value of dance for Roberto Bolle
Roberto Bolle, dance icon and promoter of the initiative, opened the show with a direct and sincere speech: «Nourish every day the beauty that is in all of us». Simple words, but powerfulaimed at an audience accustomed to fighting with his own shadows.
During the meeting, Bolle explained the choice to bring dance into such a delicate context: «I have always supported the educational value of dance, especially for young people. Here, it can become one re-education tool for respect, beauty and discipline. Dance teaches that there are no shortcuts, but only sacrifice and daily commitment lead to personal growth.”
Art and re-education: a winning combination
The show, welcomed with great enthusiasm by the young prisoners, was not just entertainment, but an opportunity to reflect. The artists talked about how dance has transformed their lives, offering a path to redemption and self-esteem. In a place where they often prevail fragility and conflictsthe beauty of dance has made its way, demonstrating that art can heal deep wounds.
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