Ballet Academy Braves JZ Violence To Help Needy Children

By BELO Border Bureau Chief Angela Kocherga

EL PASO — The deadly violence in Juarez has forced many churches and charity groups who normally do charity work during the summer to put their activities on hold. Still, one group is still willing to cross the border in order to help needy children.

A rough neighborhood in Mexico’s most violent city is not the kind of place you’d expect to find ballet dancers — but that’s the point. “I’ve seen it really give inspiration and motive to the kids,” said Kirsten Avelar, with the Emmanuel Ballet Academy.

The academy is a home for children who are abused, abandoned or whose families cannot care for them.

“When we come to dance, we forget about our problems,” said Tanya Flores, a Juarez teen who took lessons.

“It brings them a sense of self-esteem and beauty,” said Betel Lopez, the director of Casa Emmanuel. “We can see how the girls have grown, feeling more secure about themselves. It teaches them discipline.”

The teachers during the summer are visiting dancers from the U.S.

With all the violence here in Juarez, a lot of charitable organizations are having trouble attracting volunteers.The Emmanuel Ballet Academy had a lot of questions regarding safety in our sister city, but decided to go ahead with their plans anyway.

“If we cease our work here, who isgoing to continue it,” said Avelar. “We need to do our part. People on this side of the border are our brothers and sisters.”

Avelar first started working as a volunteer for Emmanuel Ministries eight years ago. Today, she heads the ballet academy full time.

One of her students said the academy gives her a place to escape from the dangerous environment that surrounds her.

At least it’s a sanctuary in a sea of uncertainty.