DANCE for TOLERANCE Project
Francisco Esperanza Dance Troupe
Cali, Colombia

Dance for Tolerance is a project that originated in connection with the Third Millennium Foundation's (TMF) Seeds of Tolerance Campaign http://www.seedsoftolerance.org. It is part of an   outreach program called Casas Francisco Esperanza (CFE) that seeks to provide underprivileged, at-risk youths the necessary skills to help them become honest and productive citizens, despite the high levels of poverty and violence that characterize their environment. This objective is achieved through the application of concepts and practices of restorative justice, self-esteem workshops and vocational training activities. This program is operated by Fundación Paz y Bien of Aguablanca.

The Dance for Tolerance Project was the brainchild of Marco Stoffel, founder and President of the TMF, during his visit to Casas Francisco Esperanza in Cali, in April 2006. After witnessing the dancing talent of these young people, he challenged them to choreograph a dance representing the concept of “intolerance” and ways to overcome it.

The “Francisco Esperanza Dance Troupe” from Cali has participated in several New York events including the “14th Annual Red Hook Waterfront Arts Festival” and The Synergos’ Institute’s Global Philanthropists Circle Annual Meeting .

Presentation at the Lycée Français de New York, October 2007
Testimonials of participants

Mayerli:
At least I stopped feeling hatred because of my brother's murder.… They killed him to steal his sneakers. All I could think about was getting revenge, that someday I would get revenge… But through the dance and thanks to the foundation I realized that no good would come out of wanting to kill the person that killed my brother....

Miguel:
To me tolerance means to respect the opinions of others, to not discriminate against others… Tolerance is listening to others, being considerate of their life situation…. To tolerate is to respect others and to have others respect you in a peaceful manner.

Carlos Andrés:
Since we are in this process, we are no longer seen as the kids in the gang, but people respect us…. they say that we are the ones who dance, in other words, we have become known in the neighborhood for promoting culture and no longer for being members of the gang.

Armando:
Through dance we have been able to give these youngsters tools like discipline, to help them get organized…. Also through dance we have been able to help them to live peacefully…. so that they may resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner.