Favela dancer gets American dream

Dyhan Cardoso, a 19 year old from one of Brazil's poor slums, has earned a place in the Atlanta Ballet. At the age of 6, Cardoso used to accompany his sister to ballet classes, which was a social project in the community. The 6 year old was inspired to join the dance lessons but the teacher hesitated because he would have been the only boy. However, his mother Heloisa Helena insisted he be allowed to join.

Heloisa Helena: "The teacher, you know, didn't really accept it because he was the only boy at school - at the ballet school. And, you know, let's try. We decided to try. I felt like he really wanted it. And then, from his first day in the social project - he was about five to six years old - he hasn't stopped since."

Cardoso was made fun of by the other kids in the neighbourhood for taking up ballet instead of playing football. However, he had a stroke of luck in a random encounter with a customer at a restaurant where his mother worked. The customer invited him to an audition for a dance academy in the rich part of the city. Cardoso passed the audition, got a place and won a scholarship to attend. He became the only black male dancer in a class of white girls.

Dyhan Cardoso: "At the beginning there was the issue of friends making fun. But as I was raised well, I responded and made fun of them back. So it didn't affect me, you know? I think we can't let it affect us. If it's what you want, if it's your dream, you need to go after it and achieve it, you know? Which is also a form of response."

The young dancer's discipline is paying off. He was selected to join the Atlanta Ballet company in the USA as a new member. He gave an outstanding performance at the company's auditions in his city. The company's director was blown away by Cardoso and sang his praises.

Dadyer Aguilera, Cardoso's ballet teacher in Brazil, confirmed this.

Dadyer Aguilera: "A privileged physique, he has a privileged foot. He has above average technical conditions. He can do very difficult steps with extraordinary quality and very refined aesthetic beauty."

View Less